The “dragons”, who recorded three wins and a draw in the last games they played, including a victory against Benfica (4-1) in the championship, enter the field in third place, with 27 points, six behind Sporting, who lost.to Santa Clara (1-0),and one against Benfica,which Arouca won (2-0).
In case of victory, FC Porto returns to second place, despite Benfica still having a game to spare, and closes the gap on Champion Sporting, facing Casa Pia, a team that has not lost in three games.
The Lisbon team have recorded one win and two more draws in their last three games and are in 10th place in the championship, with 13 points.
With a less than stellar start, one thing stands out ahead of this game: if they win this Monday, FC Porto will be three points behind leaders Sporting. Since the Porto team is always trying to reach the first place, this situation cannot be considered bad in view of the team’s recent results.
In the preview of the meeting, Vítor Bruno highlighted the need to give his team time: “Looking at the last few games, the opponents created little against us, apart from individual errors. This shows me that players want to do things well. Will we be ruthless to a fault? No, because I’m not like that. I am optimistic and have received very good signs in training, work and daily investment.It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, even if there is no time here. It is a dangerous opponent, but we really want to go on our own“, he emphasized.
In the Casapianos, after a difficult start to the season (three wins in the first three games of 2024/25), Casa Pia lost only one of the last ten games they played. Debuting in Portugal’s top football clubs, João Pereira has not felt the weight of responsibility and is guiding the geese through calm waters. Before the game, the coach did not hide his ambition: “We know that FC Porto is not going through a positive phase. I know the oxygen they are breathing right now. There, shake even the walls. We focus on ourselves. Nonetheless of the records with FC Porto, we will want to win. The first principle will be to believe. We have the ability to say that we want to go to Dragão to win“.
In the past record, FC Porto has a clear advantage, as the Dragons have had eight wins and one draw in the nine games played between the two teams so far.
How might Casa Pia’s unbeaten run impact their match against FC Porto?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome! Today we’re joined by football expert John Smith to discuss the recent performances of FC Porto and their upcoming match against Casa Pia. John, FC Porto has seen some strong results lately, including a significant victory over benfica. What do you think has been key to their success?
John Smith (JS): Thank you for having me! FC Porto’s recent success can be attributed to several factors. Frist and foremost, their attacking prowess has really come alive. Scoring four goals against Benfica is no small feat, and it shows they have the firepower to challenge any team in the league. Additionally, their defense has seemed more organized, allowing them to build momentum from the back.
TNE: Absolutely. With FC Porto currently sitting in third place with 27 points,they have a chance to leapfrog Benfica into second with a win. How crucial is this match against Casa Pia for them?
JS: It’s extremely crucial. Winning this match is not just about the points; it’s also about psychological momentum. If they can win and close the gap to just three points behind Sporting, they will be in a strong position for the rest of the season. Moreover, it could boost their confidence leading into tougher matches ahead. FC Porto always aims for first place, so the pressure is definitely on.
TNE: Speaking of Sporting,they recently lost to santa Clara,which must have added an interesting dynamic to the title race. How do you think this loss for Sporting affects their mentality going into the next matches?
JS: That loss could bring a mix of emotions for Sporting. On one hand, it could serve as a wake-up call, prompting them to reassess their performance and tactics. on the other, it could inject doubt into their mindset, especially if they feel the pressure from behind. The title race is heating up, and with teams like FC Porto and even Benfica still in it, every match counts.
TNE: Casa Pia has not lost in their last three games, which shows they’re in decent form. What do you expect from them in this matchup?
JS: Casa Pia is a team that should not be underestimated. Their unbeaten streak indicates they’re tough to break down defensively and can capitalize on any mistakes.FC Porto will have to be patient and disciplined in their approach.If they underestimate Casa Pia, they might find themselves in a tricky situation.
TNE: If FC Porto wins, they will close in on Sporting while pushing Benfica back. How do you see the competitive landscape of the league unfolding if that happens?
JS: It’s going to make the title race very interesting! A win for FC Porto would not onyl push them closer to the top, but it would also increase the pressure on Sporting to perform consistently. Meanwhile, Benfica may find themselves increasingly desperate to regain form. From a spectator’s perspective, it would definitely add a layer of excitement and rivalry to the remainder of the season.
TNE: It’s clear that with each passing game, the stakes of this season get higher. John, thank you for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to seeing how this dramatic title race unfolds!
JS: My pleasure! It’s a thrilling time in football, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
