Porto Vs Vitoria

Following a disappointing performance on the continental stage last Thursday, Porto shifts its focus back to the Primeira Liga as they prepare to host Vitoria de Guimaraes for their matchweek 23 clash on Monday.

The Dragons enter this contest still reeling from their painful 3-2 defeat to Roma in the Europa League knockout playoffs. That result ultimately sealed their fate in the competition, as they were eliminated on a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. The loss not only ended their European ambitions for the season but also halted their momentum ahead of a crucial domestic run-in.

In the first leg of their encounter against Roma at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto fought valiantly to secure a 1-1 draw, keeping their hopes alive for progression. They carried that belief into the return fixture in Italy, starting brightly and breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute through Samu Aghehowa. However, their advantage was short-lived, as Paulo Dybala quickly turned the tide with a rapid brace just nine minutes later.

Porto’s situation worsened early in the second half when Stephen Eustaquio received a red card in the 51st minute, leaving his side with ten men for the remainder of the match. Roma capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Niccolo Pisilli extending their lead in the 83rd minute. Although Devyne Rensch’s own goal in stoppage time provided a minor consolation for the Portuguese side, it was not enough to alter the outcome, and Porto bowed out of the competition.

That defeat was particularly significant as it ended Porto’s impressive six-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. It also marked the first loss under their new head coach, Martin Anselmi, who had previously guided the team to two victories and three consecutive draws since taking charge.

Despite the setback, Porto managed to bounce back domestically, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over SC Farense in their most recent Primeira Liga outing last weekend. That crucial win took their points tally to 46, keeping them within touching distance of the league leaders. Currently, they sit six points behind Sporting Lisbon at the top of the table, four points adrift of second-placed Benfica, and just one point behind Braga, who had already played their matchweek 23 fixture on Friday and secured a win.

With a chance to reclaim third place on Monday, Porto will be eager to extend their dominance over Vitoria de Guimaraes. The Dragons have enjoyed a strong record against their upcoming opponents, winning 14 of their last 15 meetings in all competitions. Their most recent encounter saw Porto cruise to a comfortable 3-0 victory in September’s reverse fixture.

However, Vitoria’s lone success in this recent head-to-head record came in their last league meeting at the Estadio do Dragao. That game ended in a 2-1 win for Vitoria, a result Porto will be determined to avoid repeating as they look to maintain their stronghold at home.

Home form has been a major strength for Porto this season. They remain the only unbeaten team at home in the Portuguese top flight, having collected an impressive 29 points from a possible 33. Although that tally is slightly behind Benfica, who lead the home table, it underlines the difficulty of taking points off Porto at the Dragao.

On the other hand, Vitoria de Guimaraes head into this fixture following a goalless draw against Braga, their second consecutive scoreless encounter after a stalemate with Famalicao. The Conquerors have found it challenging to convert their drawn matches into wins, with a 2-0 victory over AVS preceding their recent string of stalemates. That result remains their only triumph in the last ten league outings, a period that also includes two defeats.

Vitoria’s struggles have been evident in their inability to secure three points consistently. Of their 22 matches this season, they have drawn ten—the most in the league alongside Famalicao. With seven wins and five losses, they currently sit in seventh place with 31 points.

A significant portion of their struggles has come away from home. Vitoria has managed just 11 points from a possible 33 on the road, placing them 10th in the league’s away table. Their attacking woes have been particularly concerning, with just ten goals scored in 11 away matches, making it an uphill battle to secure a result against a Porto side that boasts the best defensive home record in the division, having conceded just four goals at the Estadio do Dragao.

Vitoria’s inability to find the back of the net consistently, coupled with Porto’s defensive solidity, paints a daunting picture for the visitors as they attempt to challenge one of the league’s strongest sides. With Porto keen to maintain their pursuit of the top three, Vitoria will need a significantly improved offensive display if they are to cause an upset on Monday.

In terms of squad selection, Porto will need to make adjustments following Eustaquio’s suspension. The Canadian midfielder’s absence is a blow, given his influence in the center of the park. Anselmi will likely turn to alternatives such as Alan Varela or Marko Grujic to fill the void. Meanwhile, Aghehowa’s recent form offers encouragement, and the young forward will be expected to play a key role in Porto’s attacking efforts once again.

For Vitoria, their primary concern remains their lack of a consistent goal scorer. Their defensive unit has proven to be relatively solid, but their struggles in front of goal have hindered their ability to climb the table. The likes of Andre Silva and Jota Silva will be tasked with carrying the attacking burden against Porto’s resolute backline.

Ultimately, the encounter presents an opportunity for Porto to reassert their dominance and reclaim third place in the standings. Their strong home form, coupled with Vitoria’s struggles on the road, suggests that the Dragons are well-positioned to secure another crucial victory. However, with football’s unpredictability always a factor, Anselmi’s men must remain focused and avoid complacency to ensure they do not fall victim to an unexpected upset.