Porto on the Brink of Securing Third Place as They Host Nacional
Porto need just a single point in their final Primeira Liga match against Nacional on Saturday to clinch third place and cap off a season filled with highs and lows.
Coming off a gritty 2-1 victory over Boavista, The Dragons now sit three points ahead of Braga, virtually guaranteeing another top-three finish. Their 2024-25 campaign has been a rollercoaster—21 wins, five draws, and seven defeats summing up a turbulent journey that saw them challenge for the title before fading in the new year.
Under Martin Anselmi, Porto looked like genuine contenders in late 2024, stringing together three straight wins to pull level with Sporting Lisbon at the top. However, their momentum stalled in January as a five-match winless run (three draws, two losses) dashed their title hopes and allowed Braga to close in.
Since then, Porto have steadied themselves, winning eight of their last 12 league games. Last weekend’s hard-fought win over Boavista—where they raced to an early two-goal lead before holding on after conceding—showcased their resilience.
While a draw would be enough to secure third, Porto will be motivated to settle a score after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Nacional earlier in the season. Their strong home form—12 wins in 16 league matches at the Estádio do Dragão—should give them confidence.
Nacional, meanwhile, have struggled away from home, collecting just 10 points on their travels—the second-worst record in the league. Their attack has been particularly toothless, scoring only nine away goals all season.
Though already safe from relegation in their first season back in the top flight, Tiago Margarido’s side are winless in four (two draws, two losses). However, their last outing showed fight—a stunning comeback from 3-0 down against Rio Ave, salvaging a draw with late goals from Léo Santos and Konstantinos Kostoulas.
With survival secured, Nacional have little to play for, while Porto will be determined to finish strong in front of their home fans.
