Undefeated Porto and Arouca clash in I Liga as both seek third straight win

FC Porto and Arouca will face off on Sunday at 20:30 in Porto’s Dragão stadium for the third round of the I Liga, with both teams entering the match undefeated after two victories each. Arouca coach Vasco Seabra said his players must show “personality” and “concentration” to challenge FC Porto, acknowledging the defending champions’ intensity and verticality but insisting his side is prepared. “We have to know when to activate pressure and exploit spaces behind FC Porto without conceding too much,” Seabra told reporters on Saturday in Ponta Delgada .

FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli warned against complacency, calling Arouca one of the teams that most impressed him upon arriving in Portuguese football. “I was struck by their mentality, with and without the ball. What they achieved, especially in the second half of last season, was remarkable,” Farioli said. He noted Arouca’s creativity in set pieces and direct combinations, adding that his own team’s preparation has focused on raising performance levels ahead of a congested schedule, including the upcoming Champions League .

The match will be officiated by João Pinheiro of the Braga referees’ association. Both teams share the league lead with Marítimo, each on six points after two wins without conceding a goal. Farioli also confirmed the club may add to its squad before the transfer window closes, stating, “We’d like to make some incoming moves, but I don’t know if it will be one, two, or more.” He declined to comment on specific targets, including Seko Fofana or Santiago Giménez .

In a separate I Liga fixture on Sunday, Santa Clara hosts Famalicão at 18:00 at São Miguel Stadium in Ponta Delgada. Santa Clara coach Petit said his team is “growing week by week” and aims to secure three points, respecting Famalicão’s structure under Carlos Carvalhal. “We are focused on playing well tomorrow, looking at our offensive and defensive process,” Petit said. Famalicão, with one point, seeks its first win after a draw with Estoril and a loss to Marítimo. Carvalhal identified Santa Clara’s wingers and forward Gonçalo Paciência—who has scored all three of Santa Clara’s goals this season—as key threats but vowed to exploit the home side’s weaknesses .

Santa Clara enters the match with four points, while Famalicão has one. The game will be refereed by Iancu Vasilica of the Vila Real association.