Deadly counterstrike culminates in goal by Pepê, honoring Jorge Costa
FC Porto Kickstarts New Era with Impressive 3-0 Victory
In a poignant and triumphant start to the 2025/26 season, FC Porto debuted their new coach, Francesco Farioli, with a resounding 3-0 home victory against Vitória SC at the Dragão Stadium on August 11, 2025. The match was not only a successful opening for Farioli in Portuguese national competitions, but also a heartfelt tribute to the club legend, Jorge Costa, who recently passed away.
The stadium was packed to the brim, with fans eager to pay their respects to Costa, whose number '2' is forever etched in FC Porto's history. The tribute was a surprise to many attending the game, and it served as a powerful reminder of Costa's enduring legacy.
The game began with FC Porto repeating the starting lineup from their previous UEFA Champions League match. Despite an early scare from Vitória SC, Porto quickly took control, demonstrating an intense, aggressive, and high-pressing style that would be widely praised by the media.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute, a blistering counterattack finished brilliantly by Pepê. Samu Aghehowa soon doubled the lead with a header from an Alberto Costa cross, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Portuguese media described Porto under Farioli as playing like "a pack of wolves," combining pressing, commitment, and tactical cohesion to dominate the opposition physically and mentally. Farioli himself emphasized the team's emotional response to honor Costa's legacy, the collective commitment, and the desire to implement a fast-paced playing style with strong home support.
Tactical analysis highlighted early nuances in Farioli’s system, involving different positional structures and dynamics designed to create imbalances on the pitch. The match was a clear demonstration of FC Porto's strong start under Farioli, blending emotional motivation with tactical innovation.
The victory marks a promising start for FC Porto under their new coach, and fans are eager to see how Farioli will continue to shape the team in the coming matches. The "spirit of the Dragon" seems to be alive and well under Farioli's leadership, promising an exciting season for FC Porto fans.
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