Porto vs Arouca preview

Portugal flag 2026/2027 Liga Portugal, Portugal
Estádio Do Dragão
Liga Portugal
PortoFCP
2 0
AroucaFCA
Full Time
Round 3 Regular Season
Gabri Veiga - 67'
Borja Sainz - 86'
Goal
|

CONTEXT

Porto faced Arouca in a domestic league encounter that concluded with a 2-0 scoreline in favor of the home team. The first half ended without any goals as the sides were even at 0-0. Throughout the ninety minutes Porto generated an expected goals value of 2.72 against Arouca's modest 0.45 which highlighted their attacking dominance. The possession statistics showed Porto with 53 percent of the ball while Arouca held 47 percent. No players were sent off from either side during the match. As the stronger team Porto claimed the victory and the result proved consistent with the underlying metrics. The significant deviation was noted for the home side in their performance levels.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Porto 2-0 Arouca. Porto showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with team expectations.
  • xG alignment: The final outcome aligned consistently with the xG metrics.
  • Market alignment: The result demonstrated clear market alignment with the performance.
  • xG expectations: Porto registered 2.72 xG compared to Arouca's 0.45 xG.
  • Event impact: The second half goals created substantial event impact on the scoreline.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were shown resulting in zero red card distortion.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
J. Silva Pinheiro
J. Silva Pinheiro
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
L. Gomes Maia
L. Gomes Maia
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
H. Marques
H. Marques
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
J. Costa Teixeira Afonso
J. Costa Teixeira Afonso
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Porto F. Farioli
F. Farioli
VS
Arouca V. Freire De Seabra
V. Freire De Seabra
2.46
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.69
2.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Rio Ave Rank: 66 W
Alverca Rank: 69 W
Santa Clara Rank: 70 W
AVS Rank: 63 L
Alverca Rank: 67 W
Estrela Amadora Rank: 64 W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Moreirense Rank: 69 W
Vitória Guimarães Rank: 72 W
Tondela Rank: 64 W
Gil Vicente Rank: 71 W
Santa Clara Rank: 70 D
Alverca Rank: 67 L
4
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
4 - 0 - 0
0

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
87.32
70.33
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Porto
Arouca
Power Score
87.32
70.33
League Position
1
5
Global Rank
24
235

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Porto — Opponent-weighted form score
Arouca — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Porto Arouca

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Porto

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Arouca

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Porto ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Arouca
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
48.40
11.06
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
11.06
48.40
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Porto +3.27 Efficiency Index
vs
Arouca -3.27 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Porto
Arouca
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Porto
vs
Arouca
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Porto Arouca
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
8%
0%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.21 vs +0.00
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Porto Arouca
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
0%
8%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
+0.00 vs -0.21
Porto
Arouca
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Porto
vs
Arouca
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Porto Arouca
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Porto 0.43
Arouca 0.17
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Porto Arouca
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Porto 0.00
Arouca 0.04
Porto
Arouca
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • FCP had peak pressure around 35'.
  • FCP started the game with stronger pressure.
FCP Pressure FCA Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: FCP reached the top pressure at 35' (83.64).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Porto FCP Home
4 matches
Arouca FCA Away
Match Record
4
Wins
0
0
Draws
0
0
Losses
4
Goals
13
Goals Scored
1
1
Goals Conceded
13
+12
Goal Difference
-12
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-24T00:21:22+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-3-3
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 Liga Portugal, Portugal · Round 3 · Regular Season
Stadium
Estádio Do Dragão
Capacity
50033
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
João Pedro Silva Pinheiro
Luciano António Gomes Maia
Hugo Marques
João Pedro Costa Teixeira Afonso

Statistics

Possession
FCP
55%
FCA
45%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 0
9 Big Chances Created 1
8 Shots 3
53 Dangerous attacks 24
53 Possession 47
12 Corners 2
8 Free kicks 16
1 Yellow Cards 0

Match Overview

7 Goal Kicks 8
4 Substitutions 5
19 Throwins 12
1 Hit Woodwork 0
21 Successful Headers 12
2 Assists 0
12 Dribble Attempts 11
4 Successful Dribbles 4
33 Successful Dribbles Percentage 36

Attacking

103 Attacks 78
7 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

36 Long Passes 36
461 Passes 414
394 Successful Passes 360
85 Successful Passes Percentage 87
18 Key Passes 4
24 Successful Long Passes 10
67 Successful Long Passes Percentage 28

Defensive

1 Saves 8
16 Tackles 15
1 Interceptions 11
49 Duels Won 44

Build-up

30 Total Crosses 14
8 Accurate Crosses 2

Discipline

5 Offsides 1
16 Fouls 8

Lineup

Referee : João Pedro Silva Pinheiro

Starting XI ▼

99
Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa (C) Goalkeeper
7.08
4
Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior Defender
7.14
5
Jan Bednarek
Jan Bednarek Defender
7.06
18
Nehuén Pérez
Nehuén Pérez
Defender88'
12
Zaidu Sanusi
Zaidu Sanusi Defender
7.09
20
Alberto Costa
Alberto Costa Defender
7.15
8
Victor Froholdt
Victor Froholdt Midfielder
6.38
10
Gabri Veiga
Gabri Veiga Midfielder
8.7
16
In-beom Hwang
In-beom Hwang
Midfielder76'
6.39
13
Pablo Rosario
Pablo Rosario Midfielder
6.73
7
William Gomes
William Gomes Attacker
7.64
17
Borja Sainz
Borja Sainz
Attacker76'
7.67
11
Pepê
Pepê Attacker
7.37
19
André Silva
André Silva Attacker
6.82
27
Deniz Gül
Deniz Gül
Attacker72'
6.68
Referee : João Pedro Silva Pinheiro

Starting XI ▼

12
Ignacio de Arruabarrena
Ignacio de Arruabarrena Goalkeeper
8.25
3
José Fontán
José Fontán Defender
6.9
15
Javi Sánchez
Javi Sánchez Defender
6.75
18
Orest Lebedenko
Orest Lebedenko Defender
6.08
28
Tiago Esgaio
Tiago Esgaio (C) Defender
6.37
21
Mateo Flores
Mateo Flores
Midfielder88'
6
Espen van Ee
Espen van Ee Midfielder
6.6
89
Pedro Santos
Pedro Santos
Midfielder72'
6.62
7
Naïs Djouahra
Naïs Djouahra Midfielder
6.26
8
Taichi Fukui
Taichi Fukui Midfielder
6.79
14
Hyun-ju Lee
Hyun-ju Lee Midfielder
6.54
10
Pablo Gozálbez
Pablo Gozálbez
Midfielder62'
6.08
19
Alfonso Trezza
Alfonso Trezza Midfielder
6.51
24
Brian Mansilla
Brian Mansilla
Attacker72'
6.64
17
Iván Barbero
Iván Barbero Attacker
6.56
23
Dylan Nandín
Dylan Nandín
Attacker62'
6.56

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Nehuén Pérez → Jan Bednarek
9th Substitution
88'
88'
Event
Mateo Flores → Tiago Esgaio
8th Substitution
Event
Borja Sainz
Left foot shot / 2nd Goal
86'
Event
In-beom Hwang
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
83'
Event
In-beom Hwang → Gabri Veiga
6th Substitution
76'
Event
Borja Sainz → William Gomes
7th Substitution
76'
Event
Deniz Gül → André Silva
3rd Substitution
72'
72'
Event
Brian Mansilla → Alfonso Trezza
4th Substitution
72'
Event
Pedro Santos → Espen van Ee
5th Substitution
Event
Gabri Veiga
Left foot shot / 1st Goal
67'
62'
Event
Pablo Gozálbez → Hyun-ju Lee
1st Substitution
62'
Event
Dylan Nandín → Iván Barbero
2nd Substitution
Event
Jakub Kiwior
Goal disallowed
59'

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Pedro Santos takes a right-footed shot but misses.
90
Attempt Attempt
Taichi Fukui takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Attempt Attempt
Victor Froholdt takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
88
Update Update
Mateo Flores comes on for Tiago Esgaio.
88
Update Update
Nehuen Perez comes on for Jan Bednarek.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Borja Sainz Eguskiza scores with a left-footed shot.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Borja Sainz Eguskiza scores to make it 2-0, assisted by Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa.
85
Attempt Attempt
Borja Sainz Eguskiza takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
84
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
84
Attempt Attempt
Borja Sainz Eguskiza takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
84
Attempt Attempt
Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
83
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card for Hwang In-Beom.
76
Update Update
Hwang In-Beom comes on for Gabriel Veiga.
76
Update Update
Hwang In-Beom comes on for Gabriel Veiga.
75
Update Update
Borja Sainz Eguskiza comes on for William Gomes.
74
Update Update
Offside.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Brian Mansilla comes on for Alfonso Trezza.
72
Substitution Substitution
Pedro Santos is substituted for Espen van Ee.
72
Update Update
Deniz Gül replaces Andre Silva.
71
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
70
Attempt Attempt
Victor Froholdt takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
67
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Gabriel Veiga scores with a left-footed shot.
67
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
64
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Veiga takes a shot with his right foot, but it's saved.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Update Update
Dylan Nandin comes on for Ivan Martinez Gonzalvez.
62
Update Update
Pablo Gozalbez Gilabert is on, and Lee Hyun-ju is off.
61
Update Update
Offside.
59
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Jakub Kiwior scores to make it 1-0.
59
GOAL! GOAL! Important
VAR decision: Goal disallowed for offside against Jakub Kiwior.
59
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
58
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
58
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Veiga takes a shot with his right foot, but it is saved.
57
Update Update
Offside.
57
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Jakub Kiwior scores to make it 1-0.
57
GOAL! GOAL! Important
VAR decision: Goal disallowed for offside against Jakub Kiwior.
57
Attempt Attempt
William Gomes takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
54
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-0.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
52
Attempt Attempt
Lee Hyun-ju takes a right-footed shot but misses.
50
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa with his right foot, but it misses the target.
49
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
45
Attempt Attempt
Victor Froholdt takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
43
Attempt Attempt
Ivan Martinez Gonzalvez takes a header, but it's saved.
40
Attempt Attempt
Victor Froholdt attempts a header but misses the shot.
40
Attempt Attempt
Victor Froholdt attempts a header but misses the shot.
36
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
34
Update Update
Offside.
34
Attempt Attempt
William Gomes takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
31
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
30
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
28
Attempt Attempt
Gabriel Veiga takes a right-footed shot but misses.
27
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa with his right foot, but it misses the target.
27
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
21
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
14
Attempt Attempt
Eduardo Gabriel Aquino Cossa takes a right-footed shot but misses.
11
Update Update
Offside.
9
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
8
Update Update
Offside.
7
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
6
Attempt Attempt
William Gomes takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
6
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Joao Pedro Pinheiro.

CONCLUSION

Following the full time whistle Porto's 2-0 win over Arouca stood as a testament to their overall control and clinical finishing in the second half. The even score at the break gave little indication of the dominance that would follow as the hosts pushed forward with purpose. Their expected goals superiority translated directly into the three points secured on the day. With balanced possession figures the match highlighted Porto's ability to create quality chances while limiting the opposition. The absence of any dismissals allowed the game to flow without major interruptions. This result reinforces Porto's position as the dominant force in the fixture and sets a positive tone for upcoming challenges ahead in the season.