# Tiago Margarido Targets First Points Against Undefeated FC Porto Vitoria de Guimaraes coach prepares tactical variability to challenge Porto's dominant league run. - **Source:** [Record](https://www.record.pt) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/690c7c73-bc57-4aae-b4ca-75fcb959d958 ## Tactical Preparation for Porto Coach Tiago Margarido is preparing his Vitoria de Guimaraes squad for the 11th round of the Liga Betclic. He acknowledges FC Porto's highly standardized and effective playing style. The team has specifically analyzed Porto's interior dynamics and third-man runs, aiming to disrupt the opponent's established offensive patterns during Sunday's match. ## Defensive Strategy Adjustments To counter Porto's offensive threats, Margarido plans to implement multiple defensive structures throughout the game. By frequently switching between different defensive setups, he intends to create confusion and prevent Porto from settling into their rhythm. This strategic variability is designed to force the opposition into uncomfortable, unpracticed situations during play. ## Offensive Intentions and Pressing Vitoria aims to remain faithful to their offensive identity while incorporating specific adjustments to bypass Porto's variable pressing lines. Whether Porto utilizes a four or five-man defensive line, Margarido believes that strategic tweaks can exploit the pressure applied by Porto's wingers. The goal is to maintain consistency while attacking effectively. ## Chasing the Unbeaten Leader FC Porto enters the match as the only undefeated team in the league, recently coming off a strong performance in the Champions League. Margarido views this as a significant challenge and a source of extra motivation for his players. He emphasizes that victory requires both inspiration and home crowd support. ## Reflecting on Recent Performance Addressing the previous match against Gil Vicente, Margarido defended his team's performance despite the lack of goals. He credited the opponent for their defensive merit rather than criticizing his own squad. Maintaining a clean sheet for three consecutive games provides a solid foundation of confidence heading into this high-stakes encounter. ## Managing Striker Variations The choice of Porto's starting striker—whether Samu, Andre, or Santiago—significantly alters the game's tactical requirements. Margarido has prepared specific defensive scenarios for each player's unique characteristics. He notes that Porto's squad depth ensures that rotation, even following European fixtures, does not diminish the overall quality of the opposing team. ## The Importance of Variability Margarido identifies tactical variability as the ultimate key to achieving a positive result. By constantly shifting both defensive and offensive approaches, Vitoria hopes to disrupt Porto's construction phase. The coach believes that being unpredictable is the only way to effectively neutralize the strengths of a top-tier opponent like Porto. ## Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo Beyond the match, Margarido reflected on Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on the Portuguese national team. Having lived in Madeira for three years, he feels a deep personal connection to the region. He considers Ronaldo the greatest player ever and expressed gratitude for the lasting legacy left behind for the entire country. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/v--guimaraes/detalhe/tiago-margarido-temos-o-desafio-e-ilusao-de-sermos-a-primeira-equipa-a-tirar-pontos-ao-fc-porto — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._