On Thursday evening (6:45 PM), RSC Anderlecht plays a top fixture in the UEFA Europa League. For the fifth European matchday, the Mauves host the four-time European champions FC Porto. Meet the Portuguese superpower, which also has an impressive record on the European stage.
A European giant with domestic success
Founded in 1893, FC Porto is one of Portugal’s most successful clubs. After making their European Cup debut in 1956/57, the Dragões have consistently featured in European competitions since the 1970s. They’ve won the Champions League twice (European Cup 1987, 2004) and the Europa League twice (UEFA Cup 2003, 2011), cementing their status as a European powerhouse.
Domestically, Porto has dominated with 30 league titles, the second-highest tally in Portugal, just behind Benfica. They’ve also claimed 20 Portuguese Cups (Taça de Portugal), showcasing their national dominance.
In the last two seasons, Porto has traveled twice to Belgium for European fixtures: against Club Brugge in the 2022/23 Champions League and against Royal Antwerp FC in 2023/24. Now, it’s RSC Anderlecht’s turn to face the Portuguese giants in the Europa League group stage.
History of clashes with Anderlecht
RSCA has a rich history of encounters with FC Porto. In the 1993/94 and 2000/01 seasons, the two clubs faced off in European competitions. Anderlecht won twice, drew once, and lost once. In 1994, the Mauves secured their first-ever Champions League group stage victory against Porto, thanks to a goal from Luc Nilis.
The last meeting between the two sides was in the 2000/01 Champions League qualifiers. Anderlecht triumphed with a 1-0 home win (goal by Jan Koller) and a 0-0 draw in Portugal, advancing to the group stage and starting a successful European campaign. Relisten to the podcast about the wonder year.
Rivalry with Sporting and current challenges
FC Porto began the season by defeating reigning champions Sporting Portugal in the Portuguese Super Cup. With nine wins in 11 league matches, they sit second, six points behind an unstoppable Sporting, who have won 11 in a row.
Last weekend, Porto was eliminated from the Portuguese Cup by Moreirense (2-1). Their Europa League campaign has been rocky, with losses to Bodø/Glimt (3-2) and Lazio (2-1) and a 3-3 home draw against Manchester United. It did win (2-0) against Germany's Hoffenheim - who come to Lotto Park on 30 January. With only four points, the Portuguese will be looking full of victory in Brussels.
Porto coach Vítor Bruno usually has his team fielded in a 4-2-3-1.Key players include 20-year-old Spanish striker Samu Omorodion, who has scored 12 goals this season (4 in the Europa League, 8 in the league). Left-winger Wenderson Galeno is another danger, with 11 goals so far. In goal, Porto is protected by Portugal’s national goalkeeper, Diogo Costa.
During Wednesday’s press conference, our coach David Hubert shared his expectations:
"I expect Porto to be hungry and eager to show their true quality. It’s set to be a great match between two attacking teams."
Thursday at 6:30 PM, the Mauves defend their unbeaten streak at Lotto Park. The next European match takes place on December 12, when Sporting visits Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic.
