As the anticipation builds for the pre-season friendly between FC Porto and Atlético Madrid, fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Estádio do Dragão.
Scheduled for August 3, 2025, this presentation match is not just a routine fixture but a showcase of the Dragões’ ambitions under new coach Francesco Farioli.
With Porto’s recent 2-1 victory over FC Twente still fresh, the team is buzzing with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, fuelled by Farioli’s winning mentality.
LAdding to the excitement, new signings like Dominik Prpić and Victor Froholdt are already leaving their mark, stirring expectations among supporters. As the two European giants prepare to lock horns, the rich history of their past clashes in the Champions League only heightens the drama, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of European football.
The Contemporary Clash: FC Porto’s New Era
As FC Porto enters a new chapter under Francesco Farioli, the team’s pre-season performances and philosophy are shaping up to be crucial factors in their upcoming clash with Atlético Madrid.
Recent Momentum in Pre-Season
FC Porto’s recent 2-1 victory over FC Twente at Estádio do Dragão has set a positive tone for their pre-season campaign. The match, which saw Porto recover from a 1-0 deficit, demonstrated the team’s resilience and determination.
This win has injected a fresh sense of optimism into the squad, with players and fans alike feeling energised about the potential for the upcoming season. The ability to turn around a losing position showcases the mental strength that Farioli is instilling in his team.
New signings like Dominik Prpić and Victor Froholdt have already made their mark, adding depth and quality to the squad. Their performances against Twente hint at the exciting possibilities for Porto’s tactical approach in the friendly against Atlético Madrid.
Key Player Perspectives
The players’ responses to Farioli’s methods have been overwhelmingly positive, with several key squad members expressing their enthusiasm for the new regime.
William Gomes highlighted the intensity of training, stating:
“Training has been very intense and everyone trains with great intensity. The coach demands a lot from us and has good ideas. We are working to do everything he asks of us”.
Alan Varela praised the team’s unity and effort, while Dominik Prpić noted the squad’s belief in the coach’s methods. These testimonials suggest a strong buy-in from the players, which could prove crucial in the upcoming friendly against Atlético Madrid.
Borja Sainz, one of the new signings, expressed his happiness at getting his first minutes with the team, stating, “We continue to prepare for what’s to come”.
A Storied Past: Historic Clashes
The history between FC Porto and Atlético Madrid is rich with dramatic encounters, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, which adds an extra layer of excitement to their upcoming friendly.
Dramatic Champions League Encounters
The Champions League has been the stage for some of the most memorable clashes between FC Porto and Atlético Madrid. On November 1, 2022, Porto’s 2-1 victory over Atlético had significant consequences, resulting in the Spanish side finishing bottom of their group.
This match was particularly notable as it was described as Diego Simeone’s “biggest failure” as Atlético coach since his appointment in 2011. The defeat was a bitter pill for Atlético to swallow, with Antoine Griezmann candidly admitting:
“What can I say? We didn’t deserve to go through to the round of 16, or the Europa League… If you can only win one game in the group, that’s what you get”.
In contrast, the September 7, 2022 match saw a dramatic turnaround, with Atlético narrowly beating Porto 2-1 thanks to late goals, including Griezmann’s 101st-minute winner. This match made history as only the second Champions League game to feature three goals scored in the 90th minute or later.
Beyond their recent Champions League encounters, FC Porto and Atlético Madrid have a history of compelling matches stretching back over a decade.
In October 2013, Atlético secured a crucial 2-1 away victory at Porto, propelling them to the top of their Champions League group. Another Atlético victory followed this in December 2013, this time a 2-0 win at home.
Going further back, Porto claimed a decisive 3-0 win in December 2009, showcasing their dominance on that occasion. One of the most thrilling encounters came in February 2009, when the two sides played out a 2-2 draw. This match saw Lisandro López score twice for Porto, while Maxi Rodríguez and Diego Forlán found the net for Atlético.
These past encounters have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting friendly, with both teams eager to add another chapter to their storied rivalry.
Crossing the Divide: Dual Club Legends
Several players have left their mark on both FC Porto and Atlético Madrid, creating a unique bond between the clubs. Two standout figures in this regard are Radamel Falcao and Héctor Herrera.
Radamel Falcao’s Influence
Radamel Falcao’s impact on both FC Porto and Atlético Madrid was nothing short of phenomenal. His time at Porto from 2009 to 2011 saw him become a club legend, winning multiple titles including the Primeira Liga and two Taça de Portugal.
Falcao’s crowning achievement at Porto came in the 2010-11 UEFA Europa League, where he set a record of 17 goals in a single campaign. This performance cemented his status as Porto’s all-time top scorer in international club competitions.
His subsequent move to Atlético Madrid for €40 million in 2011 marked him as the club’s most expensive player at the time. Falcao’s success continued in Spain, where he played a crucial role in Atlético’s 2012 Europa League victory, scoring two goals in the final.
Héctor Herrera’s Journey
Héctor Herrera’s career path saw him excel at both FC Porto and Atlético Madrid, leaving a lasting impression at both clubs. Consistent performances and leadership marked his time at Porto from 2013 to 2019.
During his six-year stint at Porto, Herrera made over 200 appearances, winning the Primeira Liga title in 2017-18 and two Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira titles. His influence was recognised when he was named FC Porto Player of the Year in 2014-15 and later became the team’s captain.
Herrera’s move to Atlético Madrid in 2019 saw him continue to make an impact. He marked his competitive debut with a late equaliser against Juventus in the Champions League. Herrera was part of the Atlético squad that clinched the La Liga title in 2020-21, adding another prestigious honour to his career.
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