FC Porto took their 26th Portuguese title on Sunday with midfielder João Moutinho saying: "This is a marvellous and united squad that has always managed to turn things around."
Danilo, James Rodríguez and Juan Manuel Iturbe celebrate Porto's title success with fans at the Estádio do Dragão
FC Porto claimed their 26th Portuguese title on Sunday night with two games to spare after SL Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Rio Ave FC.
On Saturday, Vítor Pereira's side won 2-0 at fifth-placed CS Marítimo, with Hulk striking twice from the penalty spot. The coach then said: "We haven't clinched the title yet. We want to win the two remaining games and, if possible, celebrate the title at home with our supporters." As it was, they retained the crown without kicking a ball. Benfica turned round an early deficit to lead Rio Ave 2-1 at the break but could not respond after Yazalde levelled the scores on 51 minutes.
After the final whistle in Vila do Conde, fans flocked to Porto's main square and boulevard next to the Estádio do Dragão to celebrate. "The last title is always the best one," said president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, who has now led the club to 19 Liga triumphs. "This one is well deserved after a lot of hard work."
"This is a marvellous and very united squad that has always managed to turn things around, even in the worst moments," added midfielder João Moutinho, while fellow Portuguese international Rolando said: "I'm very emotional and I want to thank the supporters and all the people that are crowding the streets."
Porto have won six of the last seven Portuguese titles and have lost just once in 28 league games this season.
Not something I would have expected but Gil Vicente last year's 2nd division champion was actually the only team to beat Porto this season. With two games left Porto are 21-6-1 with 62 goals for and 17 goals against.
