Jesualdo Ferreira adds Alvaro Pereira to Porto lineup

Os Dragões have acted quickly in the transfer market with the brilliant signing of Alvaro Pereira from Romanian side CFR Cluj for a fee of €4.5m representing eighty per-cent of his rights. The twenty-four year-old Uruguayan international, while primarily being used in more of a defensive position with Cluj had previously shown quality scoring vision with Argentinos Juniors previously.

Dragões add Maicon from CD Nacional

Porto bolstered its back-line with the addition of Maicon from CD Nacional. The twenty year-old former Cruzeiro agreed to terms that will see him a part of os Dragões through June of 2014.

In joining the azuis e brancos, the young defender noted:

"It's the happiest day of my life. Porto are one of the best and most respected clubs in Europe. I've always dreamed of playing in the Champions League because it's a great stage. Porto have a tradition in the competition and I hope I can maintain that."

Porto leader stays on

Basking in the winning the fourth consecutive Liga title as well as hoisting the Taça de Portugal, Porto can rest easy as Jesualdo Ferreira has extended his contract for two more years

Os Dragões manager commented on the decision:

"The day we faced Manchester United at the Estádio do Dragão, the Porto president and I agreed to extend my stay here for two more years. There is nothing written yet and the agreement was sealed with a handshake.

"It’s a verbal compromise, nothing is yet signed, but I’ve accepted it without hesitations. I will go on with great pleasure. We will start working from tomorrow in the defining aspects of the new season.

"These three years at F.C. Porto are the ones more fulfilling in my career, which make me more proud but also which demanded more effort from me. I want to express my gratitude to the club that allowed my success. I’m grateful to F.C. Porto.

"There are no records to beat at F.C. Porto. This club has already won everything there is to be won. We maintain our winning ambition, which is closely related with this institution, because we know that in F.C. Porto is possible to reach excellence. Our upcoming goal is the Portuguese Supercup, which we want to claim, and that’s the reality of a natural born winner, the one who wins all the time. We will try to be up to the exigency that the club demands to its professionals."

With so many top level managers changing sides of recent, Porto's signing of Mr. Ferreira is a tremendous step forward as the club looks to continues its championship run.

Porto wins Taça de Portugal

Os Dragões season came to a conclusion as they defeated Paços de Ferreira 1-0 to win the Taça de Portugal at the Estádio Nacional in Lisbon.

With a large following of azuis e brancos supporters in the stands, Porto took the lead six minutes in as Raul Meireles lobbed the ball over the opposition defenders to Lisandro López, who made no mistake with the opportunity. For the balance of the match the majority of plan was a box to box affair with a number of golden opportunities missed, including those by Lisandro López and Hulk that were missed. However Paços de Ferreira could not find a way past veteran 'keeper and the match ended with Porto victorious 1-0.

Following the match a jubliant Jesualdo Ferreira was respectful of Paços de Ferreira, noting them a side with "great dignity" and "quality".

tetra campeão

With their fourth successive Championship already decided Porto's season came to a conclusion in a 1-1 draw at Estádio do Dragão. The match most certainly was played within a celebratory setting of 50,000 azuis e brancos supporters.

Os Dragões took the lead in the matches first threatening assault as Ernesto Farías found the mark three minutes before the half. Set-up by Lisandro López who fought off Braga's Alberto Rodríguez and Nuno Frechaut before crossing from the left byline, the ball was inadvertently played back by another defender before falling to former Estudiantes-man to slam in. Braga brought the match even four minutes before the hour as Alan played a brilliant back heel to Edimar to the left of the area. Cutting back to his right, he opened up a lane and sent the ball to the far corner of the net. Porto had a glorious chance for the winner with eight minutes remaining as a rebound of Tomás Costa's drive came straight to Rolando but he was unable to convert from point blank range. Jesualdo Ferreira's side continued to press for the winning mark but the night ended as a noteworthy draw.

Porto now turns its attention to the Taça de Portugal final against FC Paços de Ferreira next Sunday.

Porto defeats Trofense 4-1

With the championship assured Porto's victory lap in the final two weeks of the campaign continued with a 4-1 victory over Trofense.

Os Dragões took the lead twenty-nine minutes in with an artistic build up playing, culminating with Mariano González' cross from the right into the box being volleyed in by Ernesto Farías. After the hosts exhibited a reasonable amount of pressure, Porto extended its lead two minutes before the break via a defending error. A deep long ball was headed accidentally backwards by Trofense midfielder Zamorano, allowing Mariano González to control the ball on the right. After circumventing the midfielder trying to recover he crossed to Lisandro López in the six yard box to finish for the 2-0 lead. Lisandro López, grabbed his second of the day two minutes past the hour in another stunning buildup of play. Surging down the left flank Mariano González supplied the ball to Hulk at the top of the box. Creating space the ex-Tokyo Verdy man who then passed to Ernesto Farías who then provided the Argentine international the ball, to which he deftly chipped the ball in to the far corner. With eleven minutes remaining Hulk chased down a deep through ball down the left, sending a cross into the box from the byline that Ernesto Farías headed in to make it 4-0. Hugo Leal added a consolation goal for the home side with eight minutes remaining as he drilled a powerful shot in from twenty-five metres but without further incident the match concluded with a 4-1 victory for the Liga champions.

The azuis e brancos conclude their Liga season against Braga next Sunday at Estádio do Dragão.

Porto once again claims championship

The celebration in Porto has begun as the azuis e brancos defeated Nacional 1-0 in front of a packed Estádio do Dragão to secure the Liga crown. The remarkable challenge of continuing the dynasty has been reached as Porto claim its fourth successive championship, the last three under the brilliant leadership of Jesualdo Ferreira.

Os Dragões had their hands full as Manuel Machado's Nacional were determined and not willing to give up a morsel of space. Even the most ardent of supporters would agree that prior to the break the match was a buttoned-down affair with both sides unable to register a serious scoring threat. However two minutes after the break Porto won a corner to the right and as the resulting piece swung to the back post Lisandro López headed it back to the centre of the box with Bruno Alves nodding the ball in with precision. Nacional scratched and clawed it way back, with threatening assaults by Nenê and Bruno Patacas near the hour but each was turned back by Helton's brilliant handiwork.

As time ticked down the celebration commenced as once again Porto unfurled the banner as Champion.

Dragões close in on title with win over Marítimo

Os Dragões are closing in on their fourth consecutive title with a 3-0 victory over Marítimo. With three weeks remaining Porto can guarantee their championship with a victory over Clube Desportivo Nacional on Sunday in-front of the faithful at Estádio do Dragão.

Porto went on the attack immediately and after Bruno Alves close range effort went off the post, Tomás Costa sent the ball to Raúl Meireles on the left side of the box with his effort skipping past 'keeper Marco. Five minutes into the half Marítimo had a perfect chance to level when João Luiz played in Djalma but Helton denied in from point-blank range. A minute later Marítimo missed another golden chance as Bruno's cross to Baba Diawara in-close went astray. However four minutes past the hour after Tomás Costa was fouled on the edge of the area, Cristian Rodríguez' free-kick from the right was flicked-in by Rolando to bring the match to a 2-0 margin. With seven minutes remaining Mariano González led a face charge down the left channel before sending the ball to Cristian Rodríguez on his right, whose provision to Tomás Costa was closed out for the third and final goal.

Porto looks to close out fourth successive title

Os Dragões return to play on Sunday as they travel to face Marítimo. As the Liga season enters it's final month Jesualdo Ferreira have a solid four point lead over Sporting as they look to continue their complete their fourth successive championship.

Porto is nearing fully-fit and should have no concerns going into the match with both Hulk and former Rapid Bucureşti-man Cristian Săpunaru ready to go.

Speaking via the club web-site Jorge Fucile noted the importance of the match:

"Sunday’s match will be very important and can signify a huge step towards the title. The expectations are high and we’ve been working hard in order to get a good result in the match."

The Uruguayan international went on to add:

"Hulk and Lucho are two determinant players. They’ve played almost all matches throughout the season and they’ve been decisive in our pathway. Nevertheless, it’s proven that in this squad everyone is important and that’s why we’re in the top of the league and among the eight best teams in Europe."

"I’m part of the team and I get obviously satisfied when my colleagues play well. If we keep on winning, we’ll clinch another title and that’s the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who plays. Winning is what counts."

Porto drives to championship

Porto continued their assault on their fourth successive Liga championship as they defeated Vitória de Setúbal 2-0 at Estádio do Dragão on the strength of Lisandro López' two goals. With the victory Jesualdo Ferreira's side now heads into the final month of the campaign with a confident four point margin over Sporting.

Os Dragões were without the services of Hulk and former Rapid Bucureşti-man Cristian Săpunaru for the match. The visitors, despite flirting with relegation, clamped down the match perfectly in the opening half and did not allow a noteworthy assault. In-fact the best scoring chance of the half was of Os Sadinos, via non other than Bruno Gama whose clever effort six minutes before the half forced the best out of Helton to deny. After the break tensions were running high as Porto was finding the going rough. Finally a minute past the hour Porto had the needed goal as Fernando played the ball to Ernesto Farías on the left side of the box and after a quick advance sent the ball to Lisandro López surging into the area. Following a difficult challenge the Argentine international sent the ball in from eleven metres. Only six minutes later the Azuis e brancos clad supporters rose to their feet as Mariano González drove down the right flank and as he turned near the bye-line, sent a perfect low cross to Lisandro to side foot in for his second of the night. The match concluded without further mark as Porto earned the 2-0 victory.

Porto advance's to the finals of Taça de Portugal

Porto advance's to the finals of Taça de Portugal as they overcame a 2-1 loss to Estrela da Amadora at Estádio do Dragão to win 3-2 in aggregate.

Os Dragões took the lead only four minutes into the match as Freddy Guarín diagonal cross from the left found Lisandro López deep into the six yard box and after a controlling touch, he volleyed across to Ernesto Farías for a point-blank range finish. Three minutes after the half-hour mark it was showtime for the Silvestre Varela, who will join Porto this July, as he cleverly moved into the box and chipped to the far side of the box for Rui Varela to head past 'keeper Nuno. With four minutes remaining it was pure joga bonito as Pedro Pereira's cross into the box was sent to Rui Varela, who with it back to Rolando, who pounded the ball down with his left foot and as it rebounded overhead struck it near the back post for Anselmo to head in. With further mark the match ended 2-1, sending Jesualdo Ferreira's side to the finals.

Dragões defeat Académica 3-0

Os Dragões opened a four point lead in the Liga race over Sporting with a 3-0 defeat of Académica in Coimbra on Sunday evening.

Porto displayed early control of the match, albeit without the required finishing. Fifteen minutes in Hulk's perfect cross for the left into the box was headed just wide by Lisandro López. Only three minutes later frustration built as Cristian Rodríguez was lead along only to be denied by Académica 'keeper Boris Peškovič. Ten minutes later a Cristian Rodríguez header, via Rolando's long ball was sent over the 'keeper and drifted wide. With Académica to break down, the Azuis e brancos finally found a way through three minutes before the hour as Mariano González free-kick into the box was headed-in by Rolando. Only two minutes later Lisandro López was brought down in the box by Boris Peškovič and the spot was pointed to. Deciding to take the penalty himself, the striker calmly struck the ball into the back of the net to give Porto the 2-0 lead. After Helton made a brilliant save on Éder with eleven minutes remaining, Mariano González made it 3-0 in the third minute of added time as he turned in Hulk's cross from the six-yard box.

Porto returns to play next Sunday against Vitória de Setúbal.

Dragões valiant effort ends

Porto's brilliant Champions League effort came to conclusion as they fell 1-0 to Manchester United at Estádio do Dragão. The lone goal, a knife through the heart for Dragões supporters, came six minutes in when former Porto man Anderson provided Cristiano Ronaldo and with Aly Cissokho, the Portuguese captain let loose a unstoppable strike from thirty-five plus metres into the back of the net.

While the visitors flourished early possibly the most crushing blow came thirty-minutes in when Lucho González was stretchered off with knee injury. Fortune was on Porto's side through the balance of the first half as the English side missed a number of close ranges changes, none more perplexing than Serbian international Nemanja Vidić. The former Crvena zvezda-man turned John O'Shea's provision over the crossbar in chance he would rarely miss.

Hope flourished for the Azuis e brancos after the break with opportunities slowly opening up. In the later stages Bruno Alves and Rolando both came close via set-pieces and with only a goal needed Porto displayed the resolve that only a champion can understand needed to continue the great run. With five minutes remaining Mariano González finds Lisandro López in point-blank range but his effort falls short and is held-back by 'keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Time ticked down and as the whistle was heard, the great run in the Champions League ended with a valiant effort that all can be proud of.

Dragões date with history

While English tabloids gloated with delight when Manchester United was drawn to play Porto calling them the "long-shot", the so-called “Theater of Dreams” turned into the nightmare for Sir Alex as Porto out-performed them in-route to a 2-2 draw. Disregarding lowering standards of journalism that allowed such unfounded pomp to be released, Porto sits on the cusp of casting Manchester United out of the Champions League once again as the second leg heads to at Estádio do Dragão Wednesday evening. While this match will bring back delightful memories for Dragões supporters of José Mourinho dancing down the touchline after sending Man Utd home disappointed, Porto will once again need to be at their best to advance.

While history will tell us that in the previous last eleven visits of English clubs to Porto, each has returned with a victory, that provides little solace to the Azuis e brancos. Man Utd, with a vision towards an unprecedented collection of hardware, can spring up quickly from their recent problems and need to be dealt with the most careful hand.

Coming off this weekends 3-0 victory over Estrela da Amadora, Porto is fully fit for the match and anxious to repeat the glory of five years ago. Lisandro López and Tomás Costa have returned to Jesualdo Ferreira’s squad although the manager will be serving a one-match touchline ban. Echoing confidence the manager said of his sides approach to the match:

"I said before the game in Manchester that we were very confident and wanted to produce a good performance. We have the same level of confidence a week later."

"We don't know how to play in a different way.

"This team can never change its identity."

Dragões defeat Estrela da Amadora 3-0

Porto continued its winning ways with a thorough 3-0 defeat of Estrela da Amadora at Estádio do Dragão Saturday evening. The victory was not only comprehensive in nature but a well-played chess match by Jesualdo Ferreira who structured his side with a eye towards Wednesdays battle against Manchester United.

However it was the visitors who first threatened with early efforts of Ney (Santos) and Sporting youth product Silvestre Varela forcing Helton into action. After Ernesto Farías came within a whisper of scoring sixteen minutes in, Portuguese international Bruno Alves made no mistake as struck a perfect dipping free-kick over the wall and into the net. The visitors kept the lid down tight defending and limited scoring chances till then break, excluding a close range effort by Cristian Săpunaru, which the Romanian international pushed off course. After the break Cristian Rodríguez was rested with Hulk coming in and excluding a fast-paced counter proved fruitless the visitors were continuing with a strong defensive performance. Finally three minutes before the hour, the Dragões found their way through with Ernesto Farías doubling the margin from eight metres as he accepted Hulk's perfect provision. The night wasn't done for the long-time Estudiantes man Farías as he made it 3-0 eight minutes later be nodding in a deep cross by Bruno Alves into the net. The Argentine should made it 4-0 eight minutes past the hour but he pushed Hulk's cross off-course from only a few metres out. That withstanding the picture perfect match concluded without further incident and Porto winning 3-0.

Sterling Moss and Dragões v Estrela da Amadora match preview

In 1955 British auto racing legend Sterling Moss won the Mille Miglia, a remarkable open-road 1,000 "Roman" mile race in Italy in the the record time of 10 hours, 7 minutes and 47 seconds. The race hasn't been run in over forty years yet the event lives on in infamy with enthusiasts of the roadster. Quick review of those numbers reveal a stunning 157.65km/h average for over ten hours and for classic motor sports enthusiasts it is remembered for both Mr. Moss' aggressive tactics but also the intelligent planning of his navigator. One of the key ingredients to their success was his navigator, Denis Jenkinson, unfurling a long scroll of diagrams and navigational instruction as they raced through the countryside from Bresia to Rome and back. Of motor sport legends, Mr. Moss and magnificent piece of machinery, Mercedes 300 SLR, rank in hushed tones.

In an odd twist of fate, Dragões manager Jesualdo Ferreira is in desperate need of such navigational ability as he makes his way through this weekend. Following Porto stunning draw against Manchester United in the Champions League, they sit on the verge of upsetting the heavy favourites when the second leg comes to Estádio do Dragão this Wednesday.

However prior to that affair, Porto must address domestic play and cannot afford giving up points in their tight battle to ward off Sporting. Sitting first in the table their narrow four point lead over Lisbon rivals provides little cushion, thus making Estrela da Amadora visit to Estádio do Dragão Saturday evening a tricky situation.

Whist the Porto manager has both Lisandro López, Tomás Costa, Nelson Benítez and Jorge Fucile out of the squad list, he is likely to ease back on the throttle just a morsel and use Ernesto Farías and Andrés Madrid in the starting eleven. Following the match of-course there will be no reason to shift down as its straight-ahead against Man Utd.

Sir Alex Ferguson readies for Porto

Ahead of Os Dragões Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, their long-term leader Sir Alex Ferguson is leaving little doubt of wanting payback for the 2004 loss to Porto. Recalling the 2004 Champions League when Porto, then led by José Mourinho, defeated Man Utd 3-2 in aggregate, Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a emphatic victory before returning to the Estádio do Dragão for the second leg.

Manchester United is likely to be without England international Rio Ferdinand along while elder statesman Ryan Giggs is questionable. Sir Alex said of the lineup decisions:

"I don't think any of the injured players will be back against Porto. But we do have the suspended players back which is good. 'Vida' will play alongside Jonny Evans at the back with John O'Shea moving to right-back.

"(Wayne) Rooney and (Paul) Scholes are also available which will give us a bit more penetration and experience, and Park (Ji-Sung) will also be ready so I've got some good options for Tuesday. I'll have to assess how Ryan is after playing the 90 minutes against Villa. It's a big ask for someone at 35 years of age to play another game two days later at the kind of level we play.

"We've done the work on Porto. I've watched DVDs of their last six matches. Also they beat Arsenal 2-0 this season and played very well that day. Lisandro Lopez is a finisher, a real striker. I'm very mindful of the last time we met. It will be a difficult tie."

Dragões comeback to defeat Vitória de Guimarães 3-1

Os Dragões continued on their championship run with a 3-1 come from behind victory over Vitória de Guimarães 3-1. With seven weeks remaining in the Liga campaign, Porto holds a four point advantage over nearest rival Sporting.

With an eye towards Tuesday's Champions League clash against Manchester United, Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira kept Lucho González and Cristian Rodríguez out of the starting eleven assignments. After early efforts by Ernesto Farías and Hulk were denied by Guimarães veteran 'keeper Nilson (Corrêia Júnior), Manuel Cajuda's side took the lead at the nineteenth minute. In a clever run up of play (Carlos) Milhazes, on loan from Romania's FC Timişoara, crossed into the box for Roberto to flick into the netting to take the 1-0 lead. The lead stood without further threat from the Dragões until seven minutes after the break. From the corner Aly Cissokho withstood challenges of Guimarães defenders before supplying the ball to Raul Meireles. The Portuguese international set a pin-point cross to the far post to which Ernesto Farías nodded in. Now level Porto surged for the winner and only six minutes later Mariano González supplied it as he flicked on a Tomás Costa effort sent into the box to make it 2-1. Well in control of the run of play Guimarães were barely a threat and with three minutes remaining Rolando added his name to the score-sheet via a corner as he rose high to powerfully head the ball in and bring the match to a 3-1 final.

Porto returns to action this Tuesday as they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Dragões v Vitória de Guimarães match preview

Following the international break Os Dragões return to Liga action as they make the short trip to face Vitória de Guimarães. With Porto holding a solid point lead over Sporting they will be looking to maintain pressure with a victory over their north-eastern neighbours but without a doubt have an eye towards Tuesday's Champions League battle against Manchester United.

As always the challenge of the international week is a trying one and in conjunction with Tuesday's affair Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira has a number of issues to deal with. Lucho González, Lisandro López and Cristian Rodríguez returned Friday evening from representing their homeland and are far from being match-fit and most likely to be used with caution. Fortuitously Lisandro López is in the sin-bin for the match and it is likely best given the upcoming encounter. Ventura who proudly represented Portugal U21 side in the XIII Torneio Internacional da Madeira, will miss due to injury with Rabiola stepping-in. The match has come too soon in the recovery of Nelson Benítez, Pedro Emanuel, Freddy Guarín and Jorge Fucile as each race towards optimum fitness next week.

Conceding the difficulty of playing at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, Jesualdo Ferreira said of his defensive minded opposition:

"The match against Vitória de Guimarães is important for many reasons: is the upcoming match, it comes in a good sequence of matches for us, it’s against a strong opponent and it will be played at a complicated venue. It comes in a bittersweet time of the season. It’s good because we’re on top of the league but is bad because we’ve had a long pause that braked up our rhythm"

Manuel Cajuda's Guimarães's side have suffered through a difficult campaign to-date and sit near dead-centre of the middle. However on the strength of the two match winning streak, including the recent 1-0 defeat of Benfica, they are looking to for a last gasp run towards a Europa League spot.

Os Dragões on international duty

Following the opening leg defeat of Estrela da Amadora in the semi-finals of Taça de Portugal, Os Dragões got back to work today looking ahead to their Champions League clash against Manchester United.

Freddy Guarín, Mariano González and Milan Stepanov all were in the training room going through a rehabilitation program for various injuries.

With the international break eight members of Os Dragões are heading for duty to proudly represent their homeland. Bruno Alves, Raul Meireles and Rolando join Carlos Queiroz' Selecções for their match against Sweden on March 28, whilst Ventura will feature in the U21 Portugal side in the XIII Torneio Internacional da Madeira. Lucho González and Lisandro López joins the Albicelestes for their matches against Venezuela and Bolivia. Cristian Rodríguez is a part of Uruguay's efforts against Paraguay and Chile. Cristian Săpunaru joins Victor Piţurcă's Tricolorii as they face Serbia and Austria.