FC Porto beat Alverca 2-0 in the opening round of the Portuguese league on Sunday. Andre Silva and Gabri Veiga scored the goals, both from penalties.
Porto started strongly. In the 9th minute, Andre Silva, a striker signed from Spain's Elche and back at Porto after nine years, converted a penalty. Alverca goalkeeper Matheus Mendes got a hand to the shot but could not keep it out.
Second penalty before halftime
In the 40th minute, Silva was fouled, pulled by the shirt, while attempting a shot. Referee Luis Godinho reviewed the incident and awarded a second penalty, which Gabri Veiga converted. Mendes again got close to saving it but could not stop the ball.
An Eleven Sports commentator said Porto had gone through the match untroubled so far, crediting Silva's huge contribution to the result, and said they were waiting for Oskar Pietuszewski to return for future matches, since he brings a bit of unpredictability to such games.
Bednarek nearly scores
Poland internationals Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior started for Porto, though 18-year-old winger Pietuszewski was absent with a thigh injury that could keep him out for up to three weeks. In the second half, Bednarek shouted in frustration at teammates after Alverca blocked a shot. In the 90th minute, he nearly scored himself, heading a free kick just over the bar from six meters out.
Porto travel to face Rio Ave in round two on August 15 at 21:30.
