FC Porto's tumultuous season continues to unravel as they find themselves struggling to gain traction in the Primeira Liga. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Vitória Guimarães on February 24, 2025, they remain clinging to the third position with only 47 points, trailing six points behind league leaders Sporting Lisboa and Benfica. The result, characterized by what locals are calling yet another 'cruzazuleada', has fueled frustrations among supporters who anticipated far more from the storied football club.
Managed by Argentina’s Martín Anselmi, who stepped up from Cruz Azul to take the reins, Porto's season has unfolded with inconsistent performances. Although he began positively with a victory against Maccabi Tel-Aviv (0-1) in the Europa League, the domestic outcomes have not been nearly as promising. Porto's record now stands at one win, three draws, and several missed opportunities—much to the chagrin of fans and analysts alike. The draw against Guimarães effectively symbolized the team's inability to convert advantageous positions this season, with Anselmi expressing both disappointment and determination after the match.
"This result... denied the triumph, making it difficult for us to close the gap with the leaders," Anselmi lamented post-game. His sentiments echo throughout the club as the team has mounted only fragile offensive displays, recording no wins lately within Portugal's most prestigious domestic league.
FC Porto’s issues extend beyond the pitch. With the pressure mounting, Anselmi has found it challenging to field a consistently high-performing side. Porto’s strategic ambitions have translated poorly on the scoreboard, where precious points have slipped away, leaving supporters wondering what went wrong. Before taking over, Anselmi had led Cruz Azul to notable success but seems to be struggling to replicate the same magic here.
Standing firm on the third rung of the season's table, the likelihood of finishing strong appears increasingly distant. Porto hopes to at least secure European soccer for the next season, aiming to qualify for the Europa League. This requires not merely fighting to maintain third place, but it also means they need to address the underlying issues inspiring such mediocre performances.
Detailing FC Porto's recent matches, the results have told quite the story of missed opportunities. The last four matches saw Porto share points with Rio Ave (2-2), Sporting Lisboa (1-1), and Roma (1-1), making it clear the team has yet to live up to its potential. Anselmi's team delivered one more disappointing performance against Guimarães, who capitalized on Porto's errors—scoring late, ensuring yet another opportunity for the Dragons slipped through their fingers.
Adding to the frustration is the team's inability to convert chances. For every scoring opportunity created, there seems to be subsequent failure—between wayward shots and missed passes. For example, the match against Farense, their sole win within the league (0-1), seems like the exception rather than the rule. Each draw diminishes their prospects of ascending out of the third position, and anxiety has settled across both players and management alike.
Commentators are beginning to question whether Anselmi will bring the required strategies to refocus the squad. "The Dragões... don’t lift with one victory," stated one respected football analyst, pointing out Porto needs to either regroup quickly or continue facing tough assignments as they contend with league critiques constantly threatening to derail their efforts.
Looking beyond current struggles, the club hopes to develop teams around younger players and strategically prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This means determining how to reshape the squad from within, scouting out fresh talent, and allowing current players the chance to develop positively. Time is of the essence as Porto aims to diffidently revitalize their storied history as one of Portugal's elite football teams.
Despite recent trials, Porto still possesses the capacity for excellence. Their legacy speaks volumes, reminding fans throughout Portugal why they have consistently been called the Dragons. It is this tenacity they must summon to recover both form and morale as they erchement through this arduous phase.
Only time will tell if Anselmi can turn things around, but there is no doubt he carries the weight of Porto’s hopes firmly on his shoulders. Every match henceforth becomes not merely about points but about redemption within the shimmering legacy of FC Porto.