Martín Anselmi made a victorious debut as the manager of FC Porto, steering the team to a pivotal 1-0 win against Maccabi Tel Aviv, which secured their advancement to the playoffs of the UEFA Europa League. This match, played on January 30, 2025, marked the Argentine’s first game at the helm of one of Portugal's largest clubs, following the controversy surrounding his exit from Cruz Azul.
The encounter was steeped in tension as Porto fought to break through after a lackluster first half. Both teams engaged defensively, with limited chances created as they struggled to find space. Maccabi Tel Aviv, appearing all but eliminated, showcased resilience in defense, denying Porto clear goal-scoring opportunities during those opening minutes.
After the halftime break, the urgency of the situation pressed Porto forward. The turning point arrived on the 58th minute when João Mário delivered a well-placed cross to Nico González, who converted with precision, heading the ball past Maccabi’s goalkeeper, Simon Sluga. "Nico González scores the first goal of Martín Anselmi’s era at Porto," Alejandro Montes tweeted from the scene.
The goal injected energy and urgency for Porto, who now had to maintain their lead against increasing pressure from their Israeli opponents. Maccabi responded with tenacity, nearly equalizing through Osher Davida minutes later; his shot ricocheted off the crossbar, stirring anxiety among the home fans.
Despite the scare, Porto managed to retain their lead, benefiting from some luck when Maccabi Tel Aviv had what seemed to be the equalizer ruled out for offside late in the match. This narrow victory was not merely about progression; it was Anselmi's redemption after failing to achieve such results during his short and tumultuous tenure at Cruz Azul, painting this debut as a fresh start.
With this win, FC Porto climbed to 11 points and improved their standing to 18th place on the group table. Anselmi expressed satisfaction with his team's overall effort, sharing, "This victory brings us one step closer to our goals, and confirms our strategy moving forward.”
The next challenge for Porto will be determined during the playoff draw, where they could potentially face strong teams like AS Roma or Viktoria Plzeň. Anselmi's immediate future will hinge on their performance as they strive to gain momentum through the incoming fixtures.
Much-hyped before taking the role at Porto, Anselmi endeavored to turn tide for the struggling club. His first match, filled with tension and strategic shifts, leaned more on defensive stability than offensive flair. The fans’ anticipation surrounding the new administration echoed through the stadium, as they hoped for more straightforward performances moving forward.
Notably, this victory also mirrors the persistence of the club culture embedded within Porto, which has thrived on winning embattled situations. Histories are embedded deep within the psyche of Porto's squad, driving ambition, and fueling hopes throughout the team’s infrastructure. The echoes of the fans outside the stadium reaffirm the bond they share with the club, one marked by highs and lows, and now perhaps, rebirth under Anselmi’s guidance.
Overall, Martín Anselmi's debut with Porto is more than just winning; it's about instilling hope, setting ground for future successes, and perhaps erasing shadows left behind from past disappointments.