Primeira Liga | Gameweek 30

Apr 18, 2025 at 6pm UK

Estadio Do Dragao

Porto vs Famalicao

Match preview

In a game that offered a chance of redemption after their nightmarish collapse at home, Porto knew a quick response was all they needed at the Rio Maior, and they found it through teenager Rodrigo Mora, who opened the scoring after five minutes with a stunning solo effort, dancing past defenders before calmly slotting into the corner.

Despite securing all three points, the Dragons remain fourth in the standings on 59 points from 18 wins, five draws and six defeats, one point behind third-placed Braga and 10 adrift of the top two in the Champions League chase.

It was Martín Anselmi's fourth win in six top-flight outings, a remarkable turnaround from a run of just one win in their previous eight games.

A striking feature of Porto's run of form has been their defensive solidity, with four of their five wins since the turn of the year coming by way of clean sheets, although it also underlines how poor defending has cost them precious points.

Next up is a stern test against a free-scoring Famalicao side who have found the net in eight consecutive games, raising questions about whether the hosts can put together a winning run.

Recent encounters between the two sides also offer little encouragement for Porto, with the last two meetings ending in stalemate - a 1-1 draw at the Dragao last season followed by a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture this term.

However, they will take solace in their dominant record in front of their home fans, having won 10 of their 14 Primeira Liga games, and they also boast the best home defence in the division, having conceded just nine goals - although four of those came in their last outing at the Dragao.

Famalicao, meanwhile, carried their impressive form into last weekend's fixture as they swept aside Estoril Praia 3-0 after an emphatic second-half display.

Goalless at the break, Vila Nova shifted gears after the break as Sorriso opened the scoring three minutes after the hour mark, Vaclav Sejk added a second nine minutes later and Gil Dias completed the scoring in stoppage time.

It was the second time this season that Famalicao have won three successive games, having also achieved the feat in their opening three matches before things unravelled quickly.

In fact, they managed just one win in their next 16 top-flight outings, but Hugo Oliveira's men have since reignited their campaign with seven wins in their last 10 matches.

That surge has lifted them to seventh on 43 points, five behind fifth-placed Vitoria de Guimaraes, and with five games remaining, Vila Nova will be desperate to get something out of this Friday's trip as they chase a top-five finish that would be a historic achievement.

Famalicao's best ever top-flight finish is sixth, so breaking that barrier would be a landmark in the club's history.

Recent Performance

Porto Primeira Liga form:WLWWLW

Famalicao Primeira Liga form:LWLWWW

Team News

Deniz Gul was preferred to Samu Aghehowa in attack last time out and looks set to retain his place after a solid performance.

Joao Mario should continue at right-back, with Martim Fernandes suspended for accumulating yellow cards.

Seventeen-year-old Mora has been in scintillating form, with his goal at Casa Pia making it three crucial strikes in four appearances, and will be eager to add to his tally.

Midfielders Vasco Sousa and Marko Grujic remain sidelined as they continue to recover from injury.

The visitors will also be without right-back Rodrigo Pinheiro for the same disciplinary reason, with Lucas Calegari expected to come in.

Sorriso was the standout performer last weekend with a goal and an assist, and he will be keen to retain his place out wide.

Possible starting lineup

Porto possible starting lineup:

Costa; Marcano, Eustaquio, Pedro; Moura, Varela, Vieira, Mario; Mora, Gul, Borges

Famalicao possible starting lineup:

Carevic; Francisco, Mihaj, Haas, Calegari; Looi, Topic; Aranda, Sa, Sorriso; Elisor