Porto are on their way to the Hamor final (where Braga already has a reserved spot) after beating Famalicao 2-1 yesterday in the first leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals.
Sergio Conceição decided to keep the players for the Invicta derby with Boavista (Saturday) and faced difficulties. Diogo Costa, Taremi, Uribe, Galeno and Evanilson started on the bench. However, the dragons proved stronger and Tony Martinez was the most disgruntled player, with several shots on the goalkeeper and on goal. He didn’t score against an attacker, he scored against a defender. Marcano (16′) jumped the highest and headed from a free kick (short corner) by Wendell.
The goal woke the people of Famalicense, who had a violent reaction. Riccieli forced Claudio Ramos to make a difficult save. A motto was given and a warning about what would come next: the equalizing goal. Ivan Jaime crosses into the box, and Alexandre Penetra hits the far post, the score is 1:1.
Sergio Conceição didn’t like what he saw and went straight to the break, correcting his tactics with Uribe and Galeno. The substitution was not long in coming: Galeno lost his balance and helped Tony Martinez 2-1. The blue and white team then began to manage the advantage, while the game was clearly on the wane. Porto have justified their superiority, but Famalican still wants to have a word.