FC Porto vs Uniao Leiria Match Preview
Porto have been in awesome form this season, winning 13 of 14 games in all competitions in 2010/11 as they aim to swiftly regain their hegemony of Portuguese football that was rudely interrupted last year by Benfica.
Powerful front man Hulk has been unstoppable this season, and already has 10 goals to his name in all competitions. He forms a lethal partnership with Colombian striker Falcao – one or the other or both have scored in all but two of Porto’s matches this season.
Uniao de Leiria are doing better than expected in the league, but took a body blow last weekend as they were knocked out of the Portuguese Cup at the hands of lower-league side Uniao da Madeira. Difficult to see beyond a routine home win in this one.
FC Porto vs Uniao Leiria Match Report
The Porto juggernaut rolls on. Uniao de Leiria were the latest victim of Andre Villas Boas’ team as they were ruthlessly dealt a thrashing at the Estadio do Dragao.
Powerful striker Hulk is in the form of his life, and had virtually tied up the points by the 20-minute mark. In the 14th minute the Brazilian ran onto a Ruben Micael throughball and lifted a deft chip over Leiria goalkeeper Gottardi to open the scoring. He soon had a brace after combining well with strike partner Falcao and slotting into the net from close range.
Joao Moutinho then set up fellow Portuguese international Silvestre Varela to make it three-nil before the interval.
Porto took their foot off the accelerator somewhat in the second half, but were still far superior to a shell-shocked Leiria. Falcao imitated Hulk by scoring a brace, with Leiria getting some consolation in between as Carlao netted a penalty.
FC Porto remain seven points clear at the top of the table and on the evidence of this showing it is difficult to bet against the Blue and Whites lifting the championship come May.