FC Porto started their title defense with a 2-0 win over Alverca, maintaining their lead in the Primeira Liga with 6 points clear of Sporting CP.
The match was marked by controversy, with the VAR playing a key role in the game. Twice, the referee, Luís Godinho, was warned for infractions in the penalty area. Shortly after the five-minute mark, Froholdt crossed the ball and André Silva headed it wide. The forward complained of a touch from the Alverca goalkeeper, Matheus Mendes, which came after the shot. Godinho allowed play to continue, but was advised to check the monitor, which opened the door to the penalty kick. André Silva, nine years after his last goal, scored again at the Dragão, converting the spot that he currently occupies in place of Samu, who is out due to injury.
In the opposing area, at the 15-minute mark, Figueiredo claimed a foul against Gabri Veiga, which was not sanctioned. After a test of Diogo Costa's attention, courtesy of Vivaldo Semedo, with a good shot at the entrance of the area, FC Porto increased the score by Gabri Veiga, again from a penalty. The midfielder converted the move that was originated by a foul from Touaizi on André Silva.
Davy Gui and Ian Luccas had opportunities in the initial minutes of the second half, but the FC Porto goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, thwarted the attempts. At the 75-minute mark, a precious intervention from Costa kept the blue and white goal safe and the victory in hand, despite a lackluster encounter in terms of offense for the champion. André Silva, shortly after the 80-minute mark, left the field injured with complaints of a sprain. Until the end, only Bednarek, after a corner, approached the goal once more.
