FC Porto hardly beat Boavista this Sunday. In a 'crazy' game, which ended 2-1 with a goal in the 90+7' minute, scored by Mehdi Taremi, the blue and whites only managed to lead the scoreboard in the last minute. 

It was a game that was not only worth it for the football played within the four lines. In the presidential tribune Pinto da Costa and André Villas-Boas were together, as shown by some images captured in the venue. AVB was also cheered by the fans, in a Dragão stadium 'stripped' of the claques, as the Super Dragões were not present as part of the Golden Ticket Operation. Stephan Eustáquio was also the target of a tribute.

The first half was of apparent dominance by the Dragons. They had more possession of the ball, more shots, and pressured the withdrawn Boavista for longer. However, the chess players were dangerous when they reached Diogo Costa's goal.

Salvador Agra, a former Benfica player, was one of the first to create a stir. He zigzagged between two opponents and tested Diogo Costa, with the Portuguese goalkeeper grabbing the ball on the second attempt. In another move, a venomous cross from the right, by Boavista, only did not end in a goal due to a great cut by Otávio.

On FC Porto's side, the best chance was obtained by Pepê. The Brazilian winger took Pedro Malheiro out of the way and shot at the crossbar of the goal defended by João Gonçalves. Minutes before, it was Nico González who wasted a good chance inside the area, but slipped.

In the second half, it was Boavista who scored first. Bruno Lourenço scored the goal in the 60th minute, with a crossed shot, after being granted some space inside the Porto penalty area.

At 63 minutes, Boavista was reduced to ten players at the Estádio do Dragão, in front of FC Porto, shortly after the Boavista players had scored the opening goal. Pedro Malheiro had a sole tackle on Mehdi Taremi and ended up seeing the second yellow card and consequent red card. 

However, the game was far from over. FC Porto drew level through Zé Pedro, an unlikely score, in the 81st minute, in a move kissed by some luck. After a 'curl' by Otávio, the ball went straight to the defender's head (who still threatened to score twice with a great shot from outside the area). 

The two teams were very open, looking for the goal, with great opportunities being denied both by João Gonçalves, Boavista's goalkeeper, and also by Diogo Costa, FC Porto's goalkeeper. But the winning goal did indeed come. Mehdi Taremi received a sugary cross from Francisco Conceição and headed it into the goal. A lot of celebration at the Dragão. A tearful farewell from the Iranian to the stadium, with the forward deciding the three points.

Thus, FC Porto returns to third place to discuss direct entry into the group stage of the Europa League (which it can still guarantee if it wins the Portuguese Cup). They have one more point than the Braga team, and will visit them at Pedreira on the last matchday. Boavista, on the other hand, continues to seek permanence.

[News updated at 22:45]

Lineups

FC Porto: Diogo Costa, Martim Fernandes, Zé Pedro, Otavio, Wendell, Nico González, Alan Varela, Pepê, Francisco Conceição, Evanilson and Galeno.

Boavista: João Gonçalves, Pedro Malheiro, Chidozie, Sasso, Luís Santos, Seba Pérez, Vukotic, Joel Silva, Miguel Reisinho, Bruno Lourenço and Salvador Agra.

Preview

FC Porto faces Boavista this Sunday, May 12, with a historic game in the Invicta city. The blue and whites will receive the chess players at 8:30 pm, being practically obliged to win. 

Sp. Braga is currently in third place, after the victory over Vitória SC. It has two more points than FC Porto, throwing the Dragons into the Conference League. 

FC Porto plays with Boavista, who is still fighting for permanence. The chess players have 31 points, three more than Portimonense. If they lose and the Algarve team wins, they will have the same. Follow the game live with Desporto ao Minuto.

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