New signings shine as FC Porto fight back to win in A Coruña
FC Porto came from behind to beat RC Deportivo de La Coruña 3-1 at the Estadio Riazor on Friday night, with several new players making an immediate impression in their first appearance for the club. André Silva scored twice and Borja Sainz added another to complete the turnaround after the home side had taken an early lead.
The friendly match, played during the international break, gave head coach Francesco Farioli the chance to hand debuts to several new players. The game kicked off at 18:00 Portuguese time and attracted a vocal contingent of travelling supporters, who could be heard chanting "Eu quero o Porto campeão" as their side turned the match around.
How the match unfolded
Deportivo struck first after just four minutes. A defensive error by Tiago Silva allowed Asp Jensen to score unchallenged, giving the La Liga side an early lead against the run of play. The goal unsettled FC Porto's back line, which featured newcomer Chris Smalling and Francisco Moura — unusually deployed as a centre-back.
Alan Varela hit the post with a powerful strike midway through the first half. Alberto Costa also came close but was denied by goalkeeper Leo Román.
The equaliser arrived on the hour mark. Borja Sainz finished neatly after receiving a through ball from Pepê, sparking a sustained period of pressure. Five minutes later, FC Porto took the lead through André Silva, who connected with a precise cross from João Souza to make it 2-1.
André Silva added a third in the final minute, lofting the ball over the goalkeeper with a well-placed finish. The goal confirmed a strong second-half performance in which Farioli introduced several substitutes, including Gabriel Mec and João Teixeira.
Brazilians Souza and Mec impress on debut
João Souza and Gabriel Mec, both signed in the summer transfer window, used the match in Galicia to demonstrate why FC Porto invested in them. Souza, a 20-year-old left-back on loan from Tottenham, provided the assist for the second goal with a well-weighted cross. He combined effectively with Gabriel Mec throughout the second half, showing both attacking intent and defensive discipline.
Gabriel Mec, who joined from Grêmio for €11 million plus potential bonuses, came on as a substitute and quickly linked up with Souza on the left flank. The 18-year-old signed a contract until 2031 and has been tipped as a future asset for the club.
Smalling delivers assured performance
Chris Smalling, signed outside the normal transfer window, started in central defence and played with the composure expected of a defender with European experience. The Englishman came close to scoring himself when his header struck the post early in the second half.
With Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek away on international duty with Poland, the match gave Smalling valuable game time. His organisation at the back and communication with teammates suggested he will be a useful option for Farioli over a long season.
What this means for the season ahead
FC Porto return to Liga Portugal action on 10 October with an away match against CS Marítimo in Funchal. The champions then face a demanding European schedule, with a trip to Real Betis in the Champions League followed by a home match against PSV Eindhoven.
Farioli described the Deportivo match as a chance to try something new and assess his squad depth. The coach noted that matches immediately after international breaks are often difficult, as players return at different physical and emotional levels. A win in A Coruña, without injuries, leaves the club in a stronger position for the weeks ahead.
Young players given opportunity
With much of the first-choice squad away on international duty, several academy players featured. Tiago Silva started in midfield but was at fault for the opening goal. João Teixeira, introduced at half-time, played a role in linking defence to attack during the comeback.
Kauê Rodrigues and Luís Gomes also saw minutes, with Gomes making a crucial block late in the game. Yoan Pereira struggled to impose himself, while Tiago Ferreira featured only briefly as a late substitute.
Tactical adjustments forced by absentees
Farioli used the match to experiment. Francisco Moura, typically a full-back, played as a centre-half. Pepê was deployed in a more central role in midfield. These adjustments were born of necessity but offered the coach a glimpse of how his squad might adapt if injuries accumulate.
The win over a side that finished seventh in La Liga last season showed that FC Porto's new signings can contribute immediately. Supporters will now look to see if that promise translates into points when the domestic campaign resumes.
