Porto vs Torreense Preview
Torreense won the Portuguese Cup last season, the second division side shocking Sporting CP in the final. Porto are extremely short here so I am placing a small stake on the outsiders with a three goal start.
HTH - First Clash Since 1999
Porto have a dominant 10-1 record against Torreense alongside four draws.
The last meeting came in the 1998/99 Portuguese Cup, Claudio Oeiras’ late goal securing Torreense a shock 1-0 win at Estádio das Antas.
Porto the Top Team in Portugal
Porto were the dominant team in Liga Portugal last season, winning the title in Francesco Farioli’s first campaign in charge.
The Dragons scored less goals than Sporting CP and Benfica but got it done defensively, conceding just 18 goals in 34 games. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa was impressive behind Polish centre-backs Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior.
Farioli’s side have had a decent preseason, the only defeat coming against Gil Vicente in Barcelos. William Gomes and Pepe scored in a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa before Rodrigo Mora and Eduardo Ferreira found the net in a 2-1 win over São João de Ver.
Torreense the Cup Champions
Torreense finished third in Liga Portugal 2 last season to book a spot in the promotion playoffs. They went close against Casa Pia, a 0-0 draw at home followed by a 2-0 defeat in Rio Maior.
The Torres Vedras club produced a huge shock to win the Portuguese Cup. Kevin Zohi scored early in the final against Sporting CP before being pegged back, Stopira converting a penalty in extra time to secure a 2-1 victory and a spot in the Europa League.
Luís Tralhão’s side have had a strong preseason, a 5-0 victory over Academica followed by draws against Benfica B and Estoril.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Porto (4-3-3) Diogo Costa; Pablo Rosario, Jan Bednarek, Jakub Kiwior, Zaidu Sanusi; Victor Froholdt, Alan Varela, Gabri Veiga; William Gomes, André Silva, Pepe
Cláudio Ramos and Vasco Sousa are out alongside Samu Aghehowa who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. The star striker is expected to return in November.
Pablo Rosario could start at right-back here with Alberto Costa lacking match fitness. Martim Fernandes and Oskar Pietuszewski are close to returning to action, the Polish winger linked with a move to Liverpool.
Porto have signed midfielder In-beom Hwang and striker André Silva, veteran centre-back Thiago Silva returning to Brazil.
Torreense (4-2-3-1) Lucas Paes, David Bruno, Mohamed Ali-Diadié, Stopira, Javi Vázquez; Leonardo de Azevedo Silva, André Simões; Luis Quintero, Alejandro Alfaro, Dany Jean; Kevin Zohi
Torreense have largely kept their squad intact, David Costa sold to Eyüpspor for €300k. Recent arrivals include Jérémy Mounsesse, Jonathan Mutombo, Jorge Aguirre and Karem Zoabi.
Guilherme Liberato returned to Moreirense after his loan deal expired and Ismail Seydi returned to Rapid Vienna.
Tralhão could keep faith with the majority of the side that got it done in the Cup last season.