FC Porto’s European League quarterfinal hopes hang in the balance after a nail-biting 30-29 loss to Montpellier at home. The Dragons will head to France with a mountain to climb, having trailed for most of the game despite a fervent home crowd. Montpellier, currently third in the French league, proved too strong, and FC Porto’s struggles on offense left them playing catch-up throughout.
Magnus Andersson’s tactical tweaks, including a mid-game shuffle of four players, brought some temporary relief but couldn’t overcome Montpellier’s stout defense. Charles Bolzinger was a thorn in FC Porto’s side, repeatedly denying them a chance to tie the game. By halftime, FC Porto trailed 14-11, their largest deficit at that point.
A Goalkeeper’s Heroics
The game seesawed in the second half, with FC Porto briefly taking the lead after a stunning sequence of three saves by Diogo Rêma. This sparked a timeout from Montpellier’s coach, but FC Porto’s momentum was short-lived. A four-minute suspension for Iturriza derailed their progress, and Montpellier regained the upper hand.
As the clock ticked down, FC Porto fought back, with Rui Silva narrowing the gap to 29-28 in the final minute. However, Bryant Monte’s eighth goal of the game sealed the win for Montpellier, and FC Porto’s late consolation goal from Pedro Oliveira was too little, too late.
Pedro Valdés was FC Porto’s top scorer, but it was Rêma who stole the show with 12 crucial saves. His heroics kept FC Porto in the game, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to overcome their offensive woes. FC Porto now faces an uphill battle in the return leg, and they’ll need to regroup and regroup fast if they hope to progress.