Os Dragões score late to defeat Rio Ave

Os Dragões score late to defeat Rio Ave 3-1 at Estádio do Dragão to maintain their eleven match unbeaten string. With the victory Porto maintains first place in Liga, one point above Benfica.

Jesualdo Ferreira side came out fast with Hulk's close range effort stopped brilliantly by Rio Ave 'keeper Márcio Paiva.



Only four minutes later Jorge Fucile's effort was stopped by the Rio Ave 'keeper announcing loud and clear he wasn't going to make it easy for Porto.



Three minutes before the half hour mark Lucho González' volley headed for the corner was pushed wide by the Rio Ave 'keeper once again.



Porto still couldn't find the go-ahead goal as former Tokyo Verdy man, Hulk struck a powerful drive off the crossbar just past the half hour mark.



Os Dragões took the lead after Gaspar was adjudged to pulling down Ernesto Farías in the area and the spot was pointed to. Lucho González stepped up and left no doubt as he drove the ball into the net, giving Porto the one goal advantage.



The visitors weren't deterred as with eighteen minutes remaining Fábio Coentrão struck a brilliant curling shot with his left foot to far corner from outside the area to bring the match level. With the match appearing like it was headed to a draw, Porto took the lead with only four minutes remaining as Bruno Alves long cross to the back post was headed in by Ernesto Farías.



Only three minutes later Ernesto Farías volleyed Lisandro López cross from the six yard box to back of the net to seal the 3-1 victory.



The Azuis e brancos return to play next Sunday against Paços de Ferreira