FC Porto's split-squad victory underscores depth before Twente test

The hush of a summer morning at Olival was broken by two quick strikes from Danny Namaso and teenager Rodrigo Mora, enough to give FC Porto a tidy 2-1 victory over second-tier Feirense and, more importantly, a clearer picture of where the squad stands ten days before competitive matches resume. Supporters who followed the closed-door session from a distance will have noticed two big takeaways: the depth of Francesco Farioli’s group is growing, and the medical room is finally starting to empty.

A split-squad Saturday at Olival

Porto’s technical staff scheduled twin friendlies on 27 July, the first against Feirense and the second later that afternoon versus FC Twente. By dividing his roster, Italian manager Francesco Farioli managed to give every available player either 60 intense minutes or a lighter training load, a method he used previously at Nice. The Feirense match was played in two staccato halves of just 30 minutes each, a format meant to spike match rhythm without overtaxing legs baked by the Iberian sun. Porto lined up with a mix of experienced names and academy graduates, including goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos—back after an ankle scare—and full-back João Moreira, who continues to impress after last season’s loan at Estoril.

New faces stake their claim

For foreign followers still learning the alphabet soup of Porto’s academy, Sunday offered a handy crash course. Rodrigo Mora, 19, ghosted between Feirense’s centre-backs to convert a low cross from Iván Jaime, underlining why the coaching staff rate him as the next in-house No. 9. On the opposite flank, Colombian winger Brayan Caicedo was a handful, completing five dribbles in his half-hour cameo. Veterans did their part too: Stephen Eustáquio dictated tempo, and Marko Grujić—finally pain-free after April surgery—logged his first competitive minutes of the summer, a timely boost with the Champions League play-off looming.

Injury bulletin and minute management

Expat season-ticket holders have grown accustomed to nervously refreshing physio updates, but there is good news. Only left-back Francisco Moura remains in treatment, while long-term absentee Zaidu Sanusi completed another full-throttle session with the rehabilitation team and could re-enter match squads in early August. The staff remain cautious with hamstring victim Iván Jaime and striker William Gomes; both were limited to 30-minute stints spread over the day’s two matches. Overall, the fitness curve is trending upward, an encouraging sign given the condensed calendar that awaits Portuguese clubs once European qualifiers begin.

Twente on the horizon

The real dress rehearsal arrives next week when Porto host FC Twente at the Dragão in the first leg of a Champions League third-round tie. Historically, Porto bring European savvy—seven international trophies and near-annual knockout appearances—while Twente’s continental track record is modest, their last group-stage participation dating back to 2010-11. Still, Dutch pundits point to Twente’s high-pressing midfield as a potential banana skin for Porto, especially if Farioli insists on building through the centre. Expect a fuller-strength XI then: Diogo Costa in goal, Pepê buzzing between lines and perhaps the debut of €15 M signing Borja Sainz in front of home fans.

Practical notes for supporters in Portugal

Travellers based in Lisbon or the Algarve who fancy catching Porto’s final pre-season run-out on 3 August against Atlético de Madrid should plan for heavy rail traffic; CP has already announced reduced weekend frequencies due to track maintenance south of Coimbra. Match tickets start at €15 and can be loaded onto the club’s digital wallet, a recent addition that spares foreigners the usual residency-based ID hoops. Stadium tours at the Dragão will be suspended from 2-4 August to prepare the venue, so families should adjust itineraries accordingly. Finally, remember that Portugal’s new online Fan ID system requires an EU digital identity or a passport scan; registering in advance will save you the painful queue locals endured during last season’s rollout.