Getting to Know You: FC Porto | OneFootball

FC Porto v FC Midtjylland - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

This week sees familiar opponents for Thrylos, as FC Porto, host Mendilibar’s men in the seventh game of the Europa League phase. The latest edition of “Getting to Know You” brings you up close and personal with the Portuguese giants.

Background

FC Porto is a Portuguese football club based in Porto, the country’s second-largest city. Founded in 1893, it is one of Portugal's "Big Three" clubs, alongside Benfica and Sporting CP. The club is affectionately known as Dragoes (The Dragons), a nickname inspired by the dragon featured on their crest, symbolising courage and strength.

Porto’s fierce rivalries with Benfica and Sporting CP are the centrepiece of Portuguese football, with matches between them drawing widespread attention both domestically and internationally. The clash with Benfica, referred to as "O Clássico," is particularly heated, reflecting the historic rivalry between the north (Porto) and the south (Lisbon).

FC Porto plays its home matches at the Estádio do Dragão, a modern stadium opened in 2003. With a seating capacity of approximately 50,000, the stadium is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including UEFA competitions and national team fixtures. No fixtures are more significant to Greeks than the Euro 2004 opening match and semi-final, where Greece defeated the hosts and the Czech Republic on their march to European triumph.

Honours and European Experience

FC Porto is one of the most decorated clubs in Portuguese and European football. Domestically, they have won the Primeira Liga 30 times, with their most recent triumph coming in the 2021-22 season. They have also claimed the Taça de Portugal 20 times and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup) on 24 occasions.

On the continental stage, Porto boasts an illustrious record, having won the European Cup/Champions League twice—first in 1987 under Artur Jorge and then in 2004 under José Mourinho. They lifted the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) in 2003 and again in 2011. The second-city outfit also claimed the UEFA Super Cup once, in 1987.

This season marks Porto's 63rd as participants in European football, having played in 12 international finals — a testament to their consistency on the European stage.

Their record against Greek opposition is favourable, with Porto winning seven of their 16 encounters (P16 W7 D3 L6). Notably, they have faced Olympiacos eight times, winning four, drawing one, and losing three. Their most recent meeting with The Reds came in the 2020-21 Champions League group stage, where Porto secured a 2-0 win at home and a 2-1 victory in Piraeus.

In the Hot Seat

Porto currently find themselves managerless, having made the tough decision earlier this week to make a change in light of their troubling form.

Following the dismissal of Vítor Bruno on January 20, FC Porto appointed José Tavares as interim head coach. Tavares, previously the club's youth academy director, will lead the team in their Europa League match against Olympiacos on Thursday.

Route in Europe & Season-to-Date

Porto secured their place in this season’s Europa League by winning the 2024 Taça de Portugal, thus avoiding the need to undertake qualification, as Portuguese Cup winners are afforded direct entry into the competition.

In the Europa League, Porto has had mixed results, securing two wins, two draws, and two losses. Their campaign began with a setback, losing 3-2 on the road in Norway to Bodo/Glimt. The other loss also came on the road to league phase leaders Lazio. Porto’s two successes have come at home against Hoffenheim and Midtjylland, both finishing 2-0. Elsewhere, points have been picked up with goal-filled draws against Manchester United and Anderlecht.

In Portugal, Porto currently sit third in the Primeira Liga, trailing rivals Sporting at the summit by four points. They have accrued 40 points from 18 games. Their form has been marked by a resolute defence, conceding just 14 goals in the league so far—the league’s second-lowest tally. However, their recent form is a concern, having lost their first two games of 2025: 2-0 to Nacional and 3-1 to Gil Vicente this past weekend.

FC Porto boasts a squad brimming with talent and experience, featuring a mix of Portuguese internationals and top-class players from around the globe.

Porto’s main threat is undoubtedly Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa. The 20-year-old is proving to be a goal machine this season, almost doubling his xG for the league—an expected goal return of 7.44, with an actual return of 13 goals in 15 league games. The striker’s record is equally impressive in Europe, with five goals from six games. The youngster began his career at Granada, arriving at Porto this past summer after a single season at Alavés.

Otávio, a versatile defender and ever-present when fit, is another standout performer. Playing in the heart of the Porto defence, the Brazilian can also operate at left-back. Since arriving at the club during the last January transfer window, he has established his importance to the side.

Canadian central midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, now in his fourth season at the club, is an invaluable member of the squad. The central midfielder has become one of Porto’s most consistent performers, with a knack for precision long passes. His performances in Europe, in particular, stand out, with a team-leading average rating of 7.44 on SofaScore.

With an illustrious history and a squad packed with quality, FC Porto promises to be a stern test for Olympiacos as they aim to conclude the Europa League group stage on a high note in the remaining two games.