11 September 2006, by Tom Kundert

Champions cruise to victory

Estrela da Amadora 0-3 Porto

Champions FC Porto marched to the top of the Liga, albeit level on points with Sporting, Braga and Naval after a clinical display to comfortably beat Estrela da Amadora 3-0.

After a goalless first half, an own goal by Rui Duarte, a fantastic strike from Raul Meireles and a late goal from Lucho Gonzalez sealed the win.

The match was played at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz stadium as Estrela’s ground is undergoing construction improvements.

Porto dominated a low-key first half with Anderson again proving what an important player he has become to the team. In the 19th minute the prodigiously talented Brazilian teenager struck a shot against the inside of the post and close to the interval he set up a chance for Lopez which was well kept out by the Estrela keeper.

After the break Porto continued to dominate and in the 54th minute the deadlock was broken when Rui Duarte only managed to divert a Postiga cross into his own net.

Striker Adriano almost doubled Porto’s lead after being well set up by Lucho Gonzalez, but Porto had to wait until the 81st minute to score again. Raul Meireles picked up the ball fully 35 metres from goal and let fly with an unstoppable shot that flew into the back of the net for a spectacular goal.

Lucho Gonzalez completed the scoring shortly before full time after Anderson neatly set up the Argentinean. The result will give Porto’s confidence a boost ahead of their Champions League opener at home against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday evening.

Estrela da Amadora:
Paulo Lopes, Tony, Wescley, Carreira, Amoreirinha, Luis Loureiro (Rui Duarte, 51), Marco Paulo, Tiago Gomes, N’Diaye (Moses, 61) , Dario (Paulo Sergio, 70), Cleiton
Yellow Cards: Rui Duarte (80), Tony (89)

FC Porto:
Helton, Bosingwa, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Cech, Raul Meireles, Lucho Gonzalez, Anderson, Tarik (Ibson, 67 (Paulo Assunção, 81)), Adriano, Lisandro Lopez (Postiga, 46)
Yellow Cards: Raul Meireles (73)

Goals:
[0-1] Rui Duarte, 54 (o.g.)
[0-1] Raul Meireles, 81
[0-1] Lucho Gonzalez, 88