PORTO, PORTUGAL — Samu Aghehowa emerged as the hero at Estádio do Dragão, scoring twice in 16 second-half minutes to secure FC Porto's 2-0 victory over struggling AVS and maintain their perfect record atop the Primeira Liga. The Nigerian striker's clinical finishing proved the difference as league-leaders Porto, sitting first with 40 points, dispatched 18th-placed AVS to extend their unbeaten start to 14 matches.
The breakthrough arrived three minutes into the second half when Aghehowa latched onto Pepê's precise assist, drilling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner. The goal released the tension that had built during a frustrating first half, where Porto dominated possession but struggled to break down AVS's compact defensive structure. Aghehowa doubled the advantage in the 64th minute from the penalty spot, calmly converting with a right-footed strike to the centre of the goal after Gabri Veiga had been fouled by Carlos Ponck inside the area. The VAR review confirmed the infringement, and Aghehowa made no mistake with his second finish of the afternoon.
Porto controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, with Pepê and Rodrigo Mora orchestrating attacks down the flanks while Pablo Rosario and Victor Froholdt dictated the tempo in midfield. Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior formed a solid defensive partnership, rarely troubled by AVS's sporadic counter-attacks. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who was substituted at half-time due to injury, made one save before Cláudio Ramos took over and dealt comfortably with AVS's lone shot on target. For the visitors, Cristian Devenish and Aderllan Santos worked tirelessly to repel Porto's waves of attacks, while Guillermo Ochoa produced two crucial saves to prevent a heavier defeat.
FC Porto dominated the ball with 70.5% possession, pinning AVS back for long stretches and creating territorial superiority that translated into constant pressure. The hosts peppered the goal with 18 attempts compared to AVS's seven, though their finishing lacked precision throughout. Despite 18 shots, Porto managed just four on target, highlighting their wastefulness in front of goal. FC Porto's pressure yielded seven corners to AVS's none, underlining their complete control of set-piece opportunities.
The turning point arrived just before the hour mark when Gabri Veiga, introduced as a substitute, drew the penalty that effectively killed the contest. His clever movement in the box forced Ponck into a rash challenge, and once Aghehowa converted from the spot, AVS's resistance crumbled. The visitors, who had defended resolutely for 64 minutes, couldn't recover from the double blow of conceding twice in such quick succession. Martim Fernandes and Francisco Moura provided width throughout, stretching AVS's defensive line and creating space for Porto's attacking players to exploit.
Looking ahead, FC Porto will host Santa Clara on January 2, while AVS travel to face Moreirense on January 3.