ALVERCA DO RIBATEJO, PORTUGAL — The Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca witnessed a masterclass from league leaders FC Porto, who cruised to a 0-3 victory over ninth-placed Alverca to maintain their stranglehold at the summit of the Primeira Liga. The Dragons, sitting comfortably on 40 points with an unblemished record of 13 wins and just one draw, dominated the ball with 60.2% possession, pinning Alverca back for long stretches as they extended their remarkable unbeaten start to the season.
Borja Sainz emerged as the match-winner with a clinical brace that showcased his versatility in front of goal. The Spanish forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute, rising unmarked to meet Rodrigo Mora's pinpoint cross with a powerful header that nestled into the bottom left corner, leaving goalkeeper André Gomes helpless. Alan Varela doubled Porto's advantage in the 57th minute, latching onto a rebound after Pepê's initial effort was saved, and calmly slotting his left-footed shot into the bottom left corner from the centre of the box. Sainz sealed the victory in the 69th minute with a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left flank before unleashing a right-footed rocket into the top right corner, assisted by substitute Francisco Moura.
The tactical battle revealed Porto's structural superiority, with Alan Varela and Rodrigo Mora controlling the midfield tempo throughout. Alverca's defensive duo of Bastien Meupiyou and Kaiky Naves worked tirelessly to contain Porto's attacking threats, but the quality gap proved insurmountable. Despite the scoreline, Diogo Costa was called into action five times, producing a heroic performance between the posts. The Portuguese international made crucial saves to deny Marezi twice and Lincoln, preserving Porto's clean sheet when Alverca threatened on the counter.
Porto created more chances overall, registering 14 shots to Alverca's eight, though the hosts were clinical when opportunities arose, putting five of their eight efforts on target. The visitors' six shots on target demonstrated their efficiency in front of goal, with three finding the back of the net. The match remained relatively disciplined, with just one yellow card shown to each side—Borja Sainz for Porto and Sabit Abdulai for Alverca—as referee control kept tensions in check despite 12 fouls committed by the visitors.
The turning point arrived just before the hour mark when Alan Varela's second goal effectively killed the contest. Alverca had shown glimpses of resistance in the opening period, forcing Costa into action and winning four corners to Porto's solitary set-piece opportunity. However, once Varela struck, the hosts' resolve crumbled, and Sainz's spectacular second goal merely added gloss to a comprehensive performance. Martim Fernandes and Alberto Costa, later replaced by Francisco Moura, provided width and defensive solidity down the flanks, while Samu Aghehowa's movement caused constant problems for Alverca's backline.
Looking ahead, Alverca will host Estoril on December 29 as they seek to arrest a slide that has seen them slip to ninth place with 17 points. Meanwhile, FC Porto will host AVS on December 27, aiming to maintain their perfect home record and extend their commanding lead at the top of the Primeira Liga table.