Salvation – Chaves fights for survival and is practically forced to score to keep the hope of permanence alive -, honor – a «struggle» that unites the two groups – and podium – in this case, the dragons’ only objective until the end of the championship. To the three key words for the match on the 32nd round between Chaves and FC Porto.
The moment for both teams is far from perfect. The Porto fans’ last victory was in Rio Maior and the Flavienses’ most recent nightmare was also in Rio Maior. In the last nine games, Chaves only won one – at Vizela’s home -, and, on the visiting side, Conceição – experiencing the worst season as coach of the Porto players – only beat Casa Pia in the last five games (counting for the Turns on).
Adversities, defeats, controversies, elections, punishments, etc. Both teams – in recent weeks – have been going through turbulent periods and have, in the 32nd round, a unique opportunity to find peace on the field. A victory for Chaves would mean a breath of fresh air in the fight for maintenance, while the Dragons – with a victory – will be able to put pressure on SC Braga who only play the following day.
With several absences on the horizon on both sides – note for Guzzo, on the Flaviense side, and Galeno/Wendell on the Porto side -, Moreno and Conceição will make changes. Hélder Morim is a strong candidate to fill Guzzo’s vacancy, while Gonçalo Borges and João Mendes – once starters in the Dragons’ B team – should replace Galeno and Wendell, respectively, despite a return to 4-4-2 ( Taremi and Evanilson up front with Pepê on the left wing) is also not unreasonable.
Moreno admitted «difficulties» and a «strong FC Porto», but stressed: «In all the games we were competitive, organized and we lost on details, clearly.» On the visiting side, Sérgio Conceição said: «Chaves has a decisive game. For us, they are all decisive. It’s true that it changed a little and has changed throughout the season.”
