Porto Begin Title Defense With Victory Over Vinícius’ Alverca
Porto started the new Liga Portugal season on the right foot with a 2-0 victory over Alverca, the club owned by Vinícius Júnior, with André Silva and Gabri Veiga scoring from the penalty spot.
The reigning Liga Portugal champions began their title defense with a victory. Porto defeated Alverca 2-0 on Sunday to secure their first three points of the season in a match decided by two penalties.
The team coached by Francesco Farioli showed its status as the favorite from the opening minutes and quickly found an opportunity to take the lead. On the other side was an Alverca team owned by Vinícius Júnior that tried to make things difficult for the champions as the match progressed, but failed to capitalize on its best moments.
André Silva Scores on His Porto Return
The breakthrough came in just the ninth minute. Porto was awarded a penalty and André Silva stepped up to convert it and make it 1-0.
The goal had special significance for the Portuguese forward, who returned to the club where he developed and began his professional career. Silva, who previously played for teams such as Sevilla and Real Sociedad, recently left Elche to return to the Dragons nine years after his departure.
With the advantage, the champions were able to control the tempo of the match, although Alverca began pushing higher up the field and getting closer to the opposition penalty area.
Gabri Veiga Seals the Win From the Penalty Spot
Just as the visitors were enjoying one of their best stretches of the match, Porto found an opportunity to extend their lead with another penalty. This time, Gabri Veiga took responsibility and converted to make it 2-0.
The Spanish midfielder made a positive start to his second season in Liga Portugal. The former Celta de Vigo player was an important piece for Farioli during the previous campaign and once again looks set to play a prominent role in the Dragons’ midfield.
The match also provided positive news for the coach. Argentine defender Nehuén Pérez returned to action after missing almost all of last season due to injury. His compatriot Alan Varela, meanwhile, started the match before being substituted during the second half.
With two goals from the penalty spot and a clean sheet, Porto begin the new season with three points and take their first step toward defending the Liga Portugal title.
