FC Porto vs Maritimo Funchal Match Preview
All eyes will be on Porto to see how Andre Villas-Boas’ side react to their first defeat of the season, against Nacional last Sunday. The Dragons will be keen to put the loss behind them and clock up their first win of 2011 so as to maintain their 8-point lead over Benfica.
Porto will start favorites, but it is by now means a forgone conclusion. Maritimo have recovered well from a poor start to the season and are currently on a run of eight matches without defeat in the league.
A fascinating tussle in prospect at the Estadio do Dragao.
FC Porto vs Maritimo Funchal Match Report
Freddy Guarin was the unlikely hero as FC Porto thrashed Maritimo 4-1 at the Estadio do Dragao to stay on course to win the Liga ZON Sagres.
The Colombian enjoyed his finest game in a Porto shirt, scoring two glorious goals. With young compatriot James Rodriguez also impressing, alongside Joao Moutinho and Fernando Belluschi, Porto’s midfield has a potent mix of tireless running, razor-sharp passing and bountiful creativity.
Maritimo had been in good form coming into the match (unbeaten in 8 league games), but the writing was on the wall from the moment Guarin struck a simply magnificent 40-yarder into the top corner of the net shortly before half time.
Hulk doubled Porto’s lead on the hour mark with another searing long-ranger, but Baba gave the islanders’ hope when he headed in Sidnei’s cross to make the score 2-1. Guarin quickly snuffed out Maritimo’s aspirations of getting something from the game with another spectacular strike, and James Rodriguez put the icing on the cake as he slid in the fourth after being teed up by Hulk.