Samu strikes twice as Porto beat Vitória de Guimarães 3-0 in the Primeira Liga | OneFootball

Porto started the new Primeira Liga campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Vitória de Guimarães at Estádio do Dragão.

Francesco Farioli’s side took the lead in the 12th minute following a swift counter attack, Pepê starting and finishing the move which involved Samu and Borja Sainz.

Guimarães rode their luck which ran out in the 32nd minute when a well worked corner routine resulted in Samu heading Alberto Costa’s cross past Charles.

The visitors enjoyed a brief spell of pressure before half-time but that was as good as it got for Luís Pinto and his new side.

Samu wanted more and got it in the 79th minute when Stephen Eustaquio’s strike was spilled by Charles, the Spanish striker pouncing and converting from close range.

Porto 3-0 Vitória de Guimarães

Tiago Silva went desperately close inside the opening 60 seconds before Porto began to apply pressure. It paid off in the 12th minute when the Dragons took the lead.

Pepê started the counter attack with Samu Aghehowa racing clear, the striker sending it back to the Brazilian via Borja Sainz, Pepê taking a touch and dinking it over Charles.

Tiago Silva was booked for a dangerous tackle on Alan Varela as Vitória started to crumble under the weight of a packed Estádio do Dragão. Victor Froholdt pounced on a shocking pass from Nuno Santos, drove into the box and dragged his shot wide.

Samu then slammed the ball into the net but Pepê was offside in the buildup. The Spanish striker had another chance when he robbed Toni Borevković on the edge of the box but couldn't beat Charles from a tight angle.

Porto’s second goal came in the 32nd minute following a corner won by Samu. Pepê played it short to Alberto Costa who crossed into the danger area, Samu getting in front of João Mendes and heading past Charles.

Nuno Santos volleyed wide but the attention immediately returned to the other end of the pitch, Samu and Pepe firing over the bar Samu testing Charles once again.

Guimarães enjoyed a brief spell of pressure before the break when Tomás Händel and Mendes saw their shots blocked, Oumar Camara unable to beat Diogo Costa and Gustavo Silva denied on the goal line by Jan Bednarek.

Porto regrouped at half-time and got back on the front foot following the restart, the momentum halted when Martim Fernandes fell awkwardly and was stretchered off the pitch to be replaced by Zaidu Sanusi.

Bednarek was the next Porto player to pick up an injury which saw Dominik Prpic come off the bench, Farioli using the opportunity to bring on Stephen Eustaquio and William Gomes for Gabri Veiga and Sainz.

Samu tested Charles once again but didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity which came in the 79th minute. Eustaquio’s long range strike swerved and was spilled by Charles, the ball falling straight to Samu who converted from close range.

Froholdt fired wide and Eustaquio saw his goal ruled out due to De Jong being offside, Porto cruising to the finish line for a well deserved victory.

Francesco Farioli era begins

Porto’s victory was significant in more ways than one. André Villas-Boas couldn’t have asked for much more after sacking Martín Anselmi, bringing in Francesco Farioli and making a number of important signings.

Farioli isn’t trying to be a tactical genius, the Italian simply selecting a 4-3-3 formation, putting his players in their best positions and providing them with a platform where they can shine.

Jan Bednarek and Alberto Costa made their competitive debuts in defence with Dominik Prpić replacing Bednarek in the second half. Alan Varela’s ability to provide defensive cover allows the recently signed Gabri Veiga and Victor Froholdt some freedom to operate in midfield.

Pepê might be able to find some consistency under Farioli with Borja Sainz on the opposite wing another new signing to make his Dragons debut.

Samu was unable to sustain his early season form in the previous campaign due to the demises of Vítor Bruno and Martín Anselmi. He was close to unplayable against Guimarães, the Spanish striker taking six shots which included five on target and two goals.

Luuk de Jong replaced Samu late on, the Dutch striker a direct replacement which means Farioli doesn’t have to change the tactics to accommodate the veteran.

The only downside for the Dragons was the unfortunate injury to Martim Fernande, hopefully the 19-year-old won't have to spend a significant amount of time out of the game.

Estádio do Dragão was a lonely place at times last season with many spectators abandoning their team. They should be back in force to support Farioli and his side who have every chance of going toe to toe with Sporting Clube de Portugal and Benfica.

Before the match there was a tribute for Jorge Costa, the legendary Porto player who tragically died on Tuesday at just 53 years of age. A club legend and universally respected by all, his passing is another reminder that existence on this planet is short.

Highlights