Jesualdo Ferreira unleashed a technical mastermind in directing Porto to a remarkable 2-1 victory over favoured Sporting at Estádio José Alvalade
Coming off the horrible performance in London against Arsenal this week in which Porto surrendered four goals, todays shut down of Sporting's tremendous attack was nothing short of brilliant. Singling out one particular individual is difficult as Porto demonstrated extraordinary tackling and didn't give up a blade of grass without challenge to the Leões. However special note clearly needs to be made of Tomás Costa and Cristian Săpunaru whose work helped thwart Sporting's offensive forays.
With Porto pressuring consistently, Lisandro López opened the scoring at the nineteenth minute to give the Dragões the lead however it was short-lived as nine minutes later Sporting leveled it João Moutinho converted slickly on a "must-see" penalty strike. Standing at the mark he calmly looked towards Nuno and looked to give a false read to the 'keepers right. As he went to strike the ball Nuno leaped to his right and João Moutinho easily side-footed to dead center of where the 'keeper was standing. However only three minutes later Bruno Alves replied to give Porto the eventual game winner. The match played out with Sporting intensely trying to breakthrough but the Dragões demonstrated a level of discipline and fundamentals yet to be seen this year and rarely offered their opposition a chance to score.
Porto returns to action on the 21st as they face Ukrainian super-power Dynamo Kyiv in Champions League action.
SPORTING: Rui Patrício; Abel (Romagnoli 66') , Tonel, Polga e Grimi(Pereirinha 46'); Miguel Veloso, Rochemback, João Moutinho «cap.» e Djaló; Derlei e Hélder Postiga (Liedson 66')
Não utilizados: Tiago, Daniel Carriço, Pedro Silva , Adrien
F.C. PORTO: Nuno; Sapunaru, Rolando, Bruno Alves e Fucile; Fernando, Lucho González (Guarin 83'), Raul Meireles e Tomás Costa (Mariano Gonzalez 58'); Lisandro Lopez e Cristian Rodriguez (Hulk 73')
Não utilizados: Ventura, Pedro Emanuel, Lino e Pelé
