FC Porto confirmed their good form and recorded their fourth consecutive victory by winning with authority at Valongo, 5-1, in the ninth round of the regular phase of the National Championship. A result that allows the Dragons to rise to fifth place with 16 points, overtaking SC Tomar, who lost in Luz to leader Benfica (27).
Carlo Di Benedetto opened the scoring in the 12th minute, with a strong shot from the front.
FC Porto took control of the game and came close to expanding when Rafa hit the post, already in a situation of numerical superiority. The insistence ended up being rewarded shortly afterwards, with Gonçalo Alves finishing the powerplay and making it 0-2. Valongo did not give up and responded immediately, reducing it to 1-2 and keeping the game open until halftime.
The second half brought a more assertive and lethal FC Porto. In a counterattack designed with precision, Di Benedetto once again showed an eye for goal and put the score at 1-3. The blow was hard and, practically immediately, Gonçalo Alves scored again, scoring twice and extending the lead to 1-4.
Valongo still had a penalty to try to get back into the discussion of the result, but found Xavi Malián ahead, safe and decisive. Eight minutes from the end, Hélder Nunes closed the score with Porto’s fifth goal, giving the appearance of a rout to a solid performance.
At the final whistle, the scoreboard at Pavilhão Municipal de Valongo – the stage where FC Porto had lost last season – marked a clear 1-5. A convincing victory for the two-time national champions, built on efficiency, control and a confidence that seems to grow with each round.
