Braga 1-2 Porto
Porto came from behind in Braga to take a huge step toward the Primeira Liga title, overturning an early Rodrigo Zalazar goal with second-half strikes from substitutes William Gomes and Seko Fofana.
Porto’s starting lineup for the match in Braga.
Porto effectively sealed half of the league title in Braga. Farioli’s side turned a 1-0 deficit into a 1-2 victory with goals from William Gomes and Seko Fofana, both coming off the bench, maintaining their seven-point lead over Sporting CP and Benfica.
Although Sporting have a game in hand, Porto’s remaining schedule is highly favorable. The Dragons passed their last major test with flying colors.
The match was tight and low on chances until the opening goal. Porto, who had conceded only 10 goals in the entire league campaign, arrived at their northern neighbors’ ground with the intention of proving the title was theirs. However, they faced a stubborn Braga side, still alive in the Europa League and set to face Real Betis, determined to hold on to fourth place.
The deadlock was broken by Uruguayan Rodrigo Zalazar, born in Albacete and a youth product of both La Mancha club and Malaga. The international striker, partnering Pau Víctor in attack today, converted a penalty to score his 22nd goal of the season.
But Farioli and Porto had an ace up their sleeve. The Italian made changes from the bench, and they paid off. First William Gomes scored, then Seko Fofana struck — both second-half substitutes. In 11 minutes, the game had turned from 1-0 to 1-2.
Porto end the round with a seven-point cushion over Sporting (who have a game in hand) and Benfica. The Dragons have shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, and losing the Primeira Liga title at this stage seems unlikely given their manageable remaining fixtures.