FC Porto Wins Tight Match Against Nacional: Coach Praises Nacional's Quality

FC Porto managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Nacional in a closely contested match. Despite the win, FC Porto's coach, Francesco Farioli, was quick to praise Nacional's performance, acknowledging the quality they brought to the game.

Nacional's Coach Proud Despite Defeat

Nacional's coach, Tiago Margarido, expressed his pride in his team's performance, highlighting their ability to keep the result uncertain until the very last minute. He noted that Nacional, along with Sporting, were the team that best challenged FC Porto throughout the game.

Key Moments and Frustrations

Margarido admitted to feeling frustrated by the penalty that ultimately decided the match, costing them a point. He conceded that it was indeed a penalty due to a stamp.

FC Porto Coach Acknowledges Tough Match

Francesco Farioli, the FC Porto coach, admitted that his team didn't perform at their best in terms of pressing and recovering the ball in advanced areas. He attributed this partly to the integration of new players and the need to improve timing. However, he reiterated his praise for Nacional, stating that their quality served as a warning for future difficult matches in the League and Europa League. He also highlighted Borja Sainz's outstanding performance.

Looking Ahead

Both coaches emphasized the importance of learning from this match. Nacional aims to maintain their competitive spirit, while FC Porto seeks to improve their consistency and performance in upcoming games. The match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of respecting every opponent.

Farioli also commented on the prevalence of injuries in professional football, calling it an 'epidemic'.