Rapid Reaction: FC Porto v SC Braga - UEFA Europa League Final

The Dublin Arena was full and 45,000 supporter's from both sides and neutrals were in a craze. Throughout the entire match the scene in the stands was one full of dancing and cheers as the supporters who were eager to see their side lift the UEFA Cup were also aware of how special this final was. It was the first time 2 Portuguese clubs had met one another in a European final and the first of it's kind in this tournament. 

The match began rather lively with both sides trying to shake off early final jitters. Porto were the first to do so as they began going straight to their flanks with Hulk and Varela threatening early on. Braga manager Domingos Paciência tactics were evident just as they were against Benfica, give Porto as little room to work with the ball which translates to high pressure football. Although a risky strategy, it would be Braga's only chance in this encounter. The consequences would come early too as Portuguese fullback Sílvio was cautioned for a harsh tackle on Hulk. Braga had also been utilizing a rather high offside trap and were rightfully caught out by Fredy Guarín whose cross found the Colombian enigma Falcão to catapult FC Porto ahead 1-0 just before half-time. 

Falcão powers FC Porto ahead.

The 2nd half began as Braga made 2 switches bringing in Mossoró and Kaká for Rodriguez and Hugo Viana in order to enhance their attacking capabilities. However, despite neutralizing Porto's attack midway through the 2nd half, Braga had done very little to threaten Helton's goal. Although, I must say Porto received a lucky break from the match official when Săpunaru's challenge on Sílvio around the 70th minute mark was not met with a 2nd yellow card. The replays showed that the Porto defender had completely missed the ball with a foolish challenge which should have resulted in Porto going down to 10 men. 

Despite that, it was Braga who seemed like the aggressor's throughout the match as they had accumulated 5 yellow cards to Porto's 1. With 10 minutes to go, Braga continued to press but it was more of the same as Helton remained rather comfortable and Porto content to just stay back and hold onto their 1 goal lead. A bit strange from a Porto side who throughout the entire season was always on the attack even when having a several goal lead. Perhaps, Andre Villas-Boas was paying respect to Paciência's Braga knowing that being too overzealous could result in a shock goal; whatever the case, it was rather displeasing from a neutral's point-of-view. Braga pushed everything forward in the last 3 minutes of extra with GK Artur running up for the final set-piece of the match which proved futile. 

Andre Villas-Boas had a very special season. 

FC Porto had held their ground and Falcao's early strike proved to be enough for Porto to clinch their 3rd European title in 9 years. In match where many would find it hard to believe that these 2 sides were separated by 38 points in the final league table, Porto had cemented one of the most efficient and seemingly perfect campaigns in all of European football. Credit should and must be given to SC Braga who fought effortlessly throughout the entire match and held Porto's prominent attack to only 1 goal where others had suffered several. 

However, FC Porto are the team at center stage. Having lost the Portuguese league last season to bitter rivals Benfica and finishing 3rd for the first time since 2002, they came out this season on a mission. But no one would expect such an incredible and historic season performance from this team being managed by a 33 year old. Perhaps the comparisons to Mourinho are wrong, but this Portuguese manager sure seems like the "special one" at least for this season and his team has proved that they are indeed special as well. 

FC Porto are the 2010-2011 Europa League Champions.