Portuguese Cup: Porto with one foot in the final
Rio Ave 1-3 FC Porto
 A confident 3-1 victory for FC Porto against Rio Ave places them on the verge of booking their presence in the final of the Taca de Portugal. Goals from Ruben Micael, Raul Meireles and Guarin got the Dragons back to winning ways, with Bruno Moraes scoring for the hosts.
The first leg of the semi-final took place at Estadio dos Arcos, which Rio Ave have made something of a fortress this season, with few travelling teams getting any joy from their trip to Vila do Conde. After a poor display against Benfica on Sunday, Porto knew they had to play at a much higher level, and fielded a strong side for the match.
Micael hits form
The Carlsberg Cup final defeat did not seem to affect Porto, with Ruben Micael particularly bouncing back to top form after some disappointing recent displays. It wasn’t long before the visitors hit the back of the net, with Micael producing a slick finish in the 19th minute after being assisted by Falcao inside the box.
Rio Ave refused to buckle however, and deservedly equalised soon afterwards. After several attempts on goal, Bruno Moraes found the back of the net in the 36th minute. The goal was created by a fast Rio Ave attack, with centre back Fabio Faria hitting a long pass to Ze Gomes, who chested down and touched the ball to Bruno Moraes, with the ex-Porto striker volleying low into the net from outside the box.
The intensity and pace of the match diminished in the second half. Porto looked more comfortable on the ball and managed to find more space.
Midfielders do the damage
Raul Meireles put Jesualdo Ferreira’s men back into the lead in the 54th minute, tucking in an angled shot from a low cross by Ruben Micael. Guarin wrapped up the result on the 75th minute with a simple finish, with Micael again setting up the goal.
Rio Ave will have to pull off something truly special at the Estadio do Dragao if they want to reach their 2nd cup final. Although in football nothing is impossible, one feels it is probably a bridge too far for them. As this is the only trophy Porto can realistically win, they will not be afraid to field their strongest team. The second leg is played on 14 April.
by Dominic Vieira
Watch match highlights by clicking on the screen below:
Rio Ave:
Carlos, Ze Gomes, Gaspar, Fabio Faria, Silvio, Andre Vilas Boas, Tarantini (Bruno Fogaca 69’), Vitor Gomes, Bruno Gama (Sidnei 78), Bruno Moraes, Chidi (Nelson Oliveira 69)
FC Porto:
Beto, Fucile, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Alvaro Pereira, Guarin, Fernando; Belluschi (Miguel Lopes 70’), Raul Meireles (Tomas Costa 64’), Ruben Micael, Falcao (Orlando Sa 79’)
Goals:
[0-1] Ruben Micael 19’
[1-1] Bruno Moraes 36’
[1-2] Raul Meireles 54’
[1-3] Guarin 75’
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Sporting produced the best players in recent history with Figo, Ronaldo, Nani, Liédson, Veloso, Moutinho, etc...
Benfica produced Rui Costa, Nuno Gomes, Simao, Petit, and Tiago.
So pass the joint around since I really don't see where your coming from that the national team was from Porto?
Lets recap, so far this year there was video proof of Hulk fighting someone and video proof of Pinto/Porto reps bribing agents/officials. Then they go around acting like they've been wronged. It too easy to laugh at these clowns.