Academica De Coimbra vs FC Porto Match Preview
Undoubtedly the match of the weekend as 3rd-placed Academica host leaders FC Porto. Both clubs have exceeded expectations so far in 2010/11, and as a consequence the top five names on the Liga ZON Sagres goalscorers chart belong to players from these two clubs.
Porto have been in devastating form, blowing away all-comers in plundering 14 wins from 15 competitive matches this season. Hulk, Falcao and Varela provide the team with enviable firepower.
But Academica, competently coached by former Porto cult hero Jorge Costa, will provide a tough examination of the Dragons’ invincibility. The Students have only dropped two points out of twelve at home and in Miguel Fidalgo and Sougou possess two players with a real goal threat.
Academica De Coimbra vs FC Porto Match Report
A superb acrobatic goal from Silvestre Varela gave FC Porto all three points against Academica on a stormy night in Coimbra.
Heavy rain all day and a torrential downpour during the first half put the game at serious risk of being abandoned. The match generated into something of a farce on the waterlogged pitch, but Silvestre Varela made light of the conditions to score a spectacular volley on the turn just before the break.
The driving rain thankfully abated in the second half and Porto proceeded to create a series of chances. Hulk and Falcao were unusually wasteful but the visitors were handed a golden opportunity to make the game safe in the 75th minute when Helder Cabral handled in the box to give away a penalty. Joao Moutinho stepped up but hit the spot kick against the post.
In the final seconds of stoppage time Hugo Morais struck a free-kick against the crossbar, but Porto held on to maintain their 7-point lead at the top of the table.