Dragons are ready to conquer Alvalade

Rio Ave’s visit to the home of the Dragons could not have started worse, a place where last season they managed to steal two points from a Porto team, as well as with the goal conceded in the 18th second (!!!) – a setback that was added to the sending off of Patrick William after the break – the strategy that Luis Freire had devised collapsed like a house of cards. Moreover, thanks to the momentum gained by the early goal, Porto were masters and masters of the game, did not allow their opponents to be pretentious and managed to combine business with pleasure: to win without a flaw and have a good time. A rehearsal for the trip to Alvalade on Saturday.

Vitor Bruno’s Porto won’t have the same flashy football as the others, but they have new ideas, like making Galeno a false full-back/left midfielder or putting Pepe on his return to the starting lineup after the Portuguese Cup final, as a more open man in attack on that side. Then he counts on the undeniable quality of Vasco Sousa, who complements the “grown-ups” Alan Varela and Nico González with his delivery and creativity. And after three league games, he continues to keep a clean sheet. Without Pepe and Marcano…

Porto’s players built their triumph in the first half, but were unable to extend it only thanks to Jonathan’s performance throughout the game – there was no shortage of opportunities – and because Rio Ave, with one player less in the second half, were even better. conquered. But let’s reinforce the idea: the team won all its matches in the league until they conceded and were able to prepare, competing, for the game against Sporting.

19.5 million for two strikers

Porto have invested €19.5 million in two strikers, both 20 years old, to renew their attacking front after the departures of Taremi, Evanilson and, most likely, Toni Martinez.

Omorodione himself costs €15 million for half of the property rights. In July 2025, Porto can buy another 15% for €5 million, and in July 2026, it has the option to do the same. In other words, the Spanish Olympic team’s costs could reach €25 million for 80% of the pass.

Sweden’s Deniz Gul was signed from Hammarby for €4.5 million, plus €500,000 for goals. Both forwards were in attendance at the Dragao game on Saturday.

Fabio Vieira acts as a “distributor”

Porto have agreed to sign Fabio Vieira from Arsenal to replace Francisco Conceicao, who will be loaned to Juventus for one season.

Juve are paying €7 million (plus €3 million if they qualify for the Champions League). The Italians wanted to include an optional buy option depending on the targets. However, the Dragons, with no guaranteed match, have opted to loan the player for just one year, relying on his valuation and then making a better deal. And to replace the “distributor”, Porto are talking about bringing back Fabio Vieira for one season, who is on loan from Arsenal without the option to buy.

POSITIVE

Vasco has a level!
Two boys took over the Porto jewellery workshop: Martim Fernandes (sitting João Mário is a feat!) and Vasco Sousa. The midfielder’s level is very high: he defends, attacks, organises, shoots. Excellent.

NEGATIVE

Luis Freire is tight
Rio Ave have 15 new players to replace the 17 who left. It is obvious that no one assembles a team in two months. Yes, Luis Freire is tight, but he has already proven that he knows…

ARBITRATION

Vasilika completed
Since there were no particular difficulties in the game, the Portuguese-Romanian referee did what was required of him. In the most difficult decision – the exclusion of Patrick William – he took the most correct path.