Portugal to Face Armenia at the Dragão in World Cup Qualifier Finale
17 AUG, 2025
This evening at the Estádio do Dragão was marked by emotion and sporting excellence. In an official debut laden with symbolism, FC Porto defeated Vitória SC 3-0 in the opening match of the Portuguese championship 2025/26, delivering a brilliant offensive performance under the guidance of Francesco Farioli. Yet the true significance of the night extended far beyond tactical execution — it was a touching tribute to former captain and director of football Jorge Costa, who had passed away merely six days earlier.
The tragedy that struck Portuguese football on Tuesday, 5 August, still reverberated through the corridors of the Dragão as the team took to the pitch. Jorge Costa, one of the most iconic figures in the club's history, died at the age of 53 after suffering cardiorespiratory failure at the Olival training ground. The former captain, who wore the dragon's colours in 383 official matches between 1992 and 2005, claiming one Champions League title, eight domestic championships and numerous other honours, was witnessing a session of the first team when his heart stopped.
The sudden death of Costa left a profound impact on the Portuguese sporting community. The inaugural match had originally been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed by two days, allowing the club to process its grief and prepare an appropriate tribute. When the team finally took the field that Monday, every detail breathed respect for the memory of "O Tanque" — the affectionate nickname by which he was known to supporters. The Dragão stands were adorned with choreography celebrating his life, while the number 2 — the number Costa wore as captain — was present symbolically on the team's shirt, a silent yet profoundly meaningful tribute.
A Display of Quality
Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, the team under Italian coach Farioli demonstrated immediate quality. Pepê opened the scoring in the 12th minute, right from the start of the match, setting the tone for a display of blue-and-white dominance that would never falter. Vitória de Guimarães, coming off a demanding season, could do little to contain the creativity and intensity of the hosts.
The second half of the first 45 minutes proved particularly productive for Porto. Samu Aghehowa, the young Nigerian striker who has impressed during pre-season, turned a corner into a golden opportunity, extending the lead in the 32nd minute. At this point, the scoreline already reflected the quality on display — Porto was dominating with ease a team that, while competent, arrived at the Dragão with clear attacking limitations.
In the second half, Samu struck again against the Minho side in the 79th minute, sealing a triumph that could have been even more emphatic. The Nigerian would see another goal ruled out for Pepê's offside, underlining the sheer number of chances created by Farioli's team. Until the final whistle, Porto controlled virtually every significant moment of the match, with the defence never truly troubled.
A Promising Debut for Farioli
The Italian coach, in his official debut in Portuguese football, made no changes compared to the previous match against Atlético Madrid (1-0), maintaining a team that clearly functions with offensive fluidity. This continuity was precisely what Porto needed after a period of structural instability. The quality of the performance suggests that the choice of Farioli was the right one — a coach capable of implementing clear and attacking ideas.
Control of the game was near absolute. Porto's dominance of possession allowed them to dictate the rhythm, while Vitória were forced to defend reactively. This is the hallmark of a coach who understands how to structure a team in transition, offering stability when significant changes occur in the club's hierarchy.
For FC Porto, this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter. With a coach demonstrating tactical mastery and a team responding consistently, the club has legitimate reasons to believe that 2025/26 could be a season of reasserting its domestic supremacy. The hegemony that characterised earlier periods of blue-and-white history may be returning.
Their rivals, particularly Sporting CP, have taken note. Porto displayed an attacking cohesion that is uncommon in opening-day matches. Samu, wingers Pepê and William Gomes (when introduced), and the creative midfielders demonstrated a clear understanding of Farioli's system. Should this level be maintained, and injuries spare the squad, Porto will be firmly in the title race once again.
The opening match of 2025/26 will remain in memory not merely for its sporting quality, but for having been a proper farewell to a son of Porto, accompanied by the promise that the legacy he left behind will continue beating within the blue-and-white heart.
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