FC Porto is set to kick off its journey in the FIBA Europe Cup this Tuesday. After missing out on the Champions League, the Dragons will host the Antwerp Giants from Belgium at 8:00 PM. This match marks the first day of action in Group B for the Portuguese side.
The team is looking to rebound after a recent loss. Just days ago, FC Porto fell to Oliveirense during the second round of the Liga Betclic. Captain Miguel Queiroz spoke about the upcoming challenge and the team’s current form. He noted that the Antwerp Giants are a tough opponent.
Queiroz explained the differences they expect. “Antwerp is a team with many good players. They are very physical, quite different from Oliveirense. They will create new problems for us,” he stated. “We know their strengths. We also know where we can attack them. We want to put all our plans into action.” He admitted that the team is still searching for consistency. “We are still looking for that steady rhythm. It’s taking some time, but we strongly believe in the hard work we are doing,” he added. His comments were shared on the club’s official website.
FC Porto is no stranger to the FIBA Europe Cup. They have competed in this tournament for the past few seasons. Queiroz spoke with great ambition about their return to the competition. “The last three years were very good for us,” he reflected. “We made it past the group stage three times. We even reached the playoffs twice. This is a competition we approach with a lot of drive.”
Queiroz underlined the importance of representing the club on an international stage. “For us, raising the name of FC Porto in Europe means a lot,” he emphasized. “We want to win games and advance through the groups. Our goal is to bring joy to our fans. We want to see FC Porto’s name written on the biggest European stages.” He said this brings immense pride to the team. “We will approach this competition with the same high ambition as before. Our mission is to get through the group stage, that is our clear objective.”
For us, raising the name of FC Porto in Europe means a lot. We have the mission to pass the group.
Miguel Queiroz
FC Porto Captain
The team has seen several new faces join this season. Integrating these players takes time, as Queiroz pointed out. “We had some players join and some important players leave,” he explained. “This process has been ongoing since the start of pre-season.” He stressed the need to help new players settle in. “We need to integrate these new players. We must make them feel what FC Porto is all about. We need to introduce them to the values of the club and the people of the city.”
Queiroz remains confident that the team will find its rhythm. “We believe that this chemistry will develop. We believe that consistency will come,” he said. “These values will become clear on the court. Our fans will look at us and believe that we are defending their values.”
For those interested in the tournament’s full schedule:
See the complete FIBA Europe Cup calendar here
Portugal will have another representative in the competition. Sporting will also compete. They begin their campaign on Wednesday. Sporting will host Italian side Dinamo Sassari in Group G.