On a chilly November evening in Porto, FC Porto turned Estadio do Dragao into a cauldron of celebration, dismantling OGC Nice 3-0 in a performance that exposed the French side’s deepening crisis. The match, played on the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase Matchday 5Estadio do Dragao, wasn’t just another win — it was a statement. Gabriel Vega, the 24-year-old Portuguese forward, struck in the 20th second and again in the 33rd minute, while Samu sealed it from the spot after a VAR-confirmed penalty. For OGC Nice, it was more than a loss. It was the 17th consecutive European match without a win — a record that now ties the worst in French continental history.
From Silence to Surge: Porto’s Comeback Momentum
Just two weeks earlier, Porto’s European hopes looked dead. A 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a frustrating 1-1 draw with 10-man Utrecht had dropped them out of the knockout conversation. But against Nice, something clicked. Their pressing wasn’t just aggressive — it was surgical. Every pass was intercepted, every dribble smothered. Pepe, the 42-year-old veteran center-back, didn’t just defend — he orchestrated. His pinpoint cross in the opening seconds set up Vega’s lightning goal. It wasn’t luck. It was experience. Porto’s midfield, led by Denmark’s Victor Frohold, controlled the tempo like a conductor with a metronome. They didn’t just win possession — they made Nice feel like they were playing with wet socks.
Nice’s Collapse: Zero Shots on Target, Zero Answers
The numbers tell a story no manager can ignore. Six shots. Zero on target. Zero threat. Terara Mafi, Nice’s Ivorian striker, flailed at crosses like a man swinging at wasps. Kevin Carlos, their other forward, sent a curler into the stands. Their midfield, supposed to be the engine, was outworked by Porto’s reserves. Head coach Frank Hayes sat on the bench with his hands on his head — not in frustration, but in disbelief. He’d seen this before: a team that looks good on paper, crumbling under pressure. The winless streak? It began in June. It’s now 17 games. Four losses in this Europa League group. Fourteen matches without a win in all competitions. And yet, the club’s board still insists they’re "building something." The fans in Nice? They’re building protest signs.
The Penalty That Broke the Back of Hope
The third goal didn’t just extend the lead — it ended any lingering belief Nice had. In the 68th minute, Samu darted into the box, caught by a clumsy tackle from Nice’s center-back. The referee pointed to the spot. The VAR review lasted 47 seconds — long enough for the home crowd to start chanting, "Porto! Porto!" When Samu stepped up, the goalkeeper guessed right. Too late. The ball kissed the net. No celebration. No theatrics. Just a cold, clinical finish. That’s Porto now: efficient, ruthless, unflinching. For Nice, it was the final nail. They didn’t just lose the match — they lost their dignity on the pitch.
Historic Rivalry? No — Historic Failure
This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. A historic occasion, yes — but for all the wrong reasons. FC Porto, founded in 1893, has won two European Cups and 30 domestic titles. OGC Nice, established in 1904, last lifted a major trophy in 1957. Their last European knockout appearance? 2017. Now, they’re staring at a season where even Europa League survival seems like a fantasy. The Allianz Riviera, their home, is silent. The players? They’re running on fumes. The fans? They’ve stopped showing up.
What’s Next? One Match, Infinite Pressure
With one matchday left — scheduled for December 11–12, 2025 — Nice must win their final game and hope for a miracle. They face a strong Dinamo Zagreb side, who are already through. Porto, meanwhile, sit comfortably in the top half of the table. A draw against either Utrecht or Nottingham Forest could be enough to seal their place in the Round of 16. But they won’t settle. Not after this. Not with Sergio Canaka at the helm. The 49-year-old Portuguese tactician has turned this team around in weeks. He’s not just managing a squad — he’s rebuilding a legacy.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This wasn’t just about points. It was about identity. Porto reminded Europe they’re still a force. Nice reminded everyone they’re a team in freefall. The gap between them isn’t just tactical — it’s cultural. Porto’s youth academy churns out talent like a factory. Nice’s? It’s been on life support for a decade. The statistics are brutal: Porto averages 53.4% possession in Europe. Nice concedes two goals per game. Vega has three goals and three assists. Nice’s top scorer has two goals — and one was a penalty. This isn’t just a bad run. It’s a system failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this defeat affect OGC Nice’s chances of qualifying for the Europa League knockout stage?
Nice’s chances are virtually nonexistent. With only one match remaining and no wins in their last 17 European games, they need to beat Dinamo Zagreb and hope both Utrecht and Nottingham Forest drop points against Porto and Salzburg. Even then, goal difference — currently -7 for Nice — is a mountain to climb. They’ve conceded 11 goals in five group matches, the worst defensive record in the entire 2025/26 Europa League League Phase.
Why has FC Porto suddenly improved after two poor results?
Sergio Canaka shifted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, pushing Victor Frohold higher as an attacking midfielder and using Pepe’s leadership to anchor the press. The change unlocked Gabriel Vega’s pace and Samu’s dribbling. Porto’s midfield trio now presses in unison — something they hadn’t done consistently since October. The result? 12 goals in their last three matches, up from just three in the previous four.
Is Gabriel Vega emerging as a key player for Porto?
Absolutely. With three goals and three assists in his last five appearances, Vega is now Porto’s most dangerous attacking outlet. His speed and finishing — especially his first-time strikes — have made him a nightmare for defenders. At 24, he’s no longer a prospect. He’s the real deal. Scouts from Bayern and PSG have reportedly been watching his last two matches.
What’s the significance of Pepe playing in this match at age 42?
Pepe’s presence is historic. He’s the oldest player to start a Europa League match in 2025/26 and the only player over 40 to record both a goal assist and a defensive action in the same game this season. More than his stats, his leadership has stabilized Porto’s backline. He’s not just playing — he’s mentoring. His calmness under pressure was the glue that held everything together against Nice’s desperate attacks.
How does this result compare to other French clubs’ European struggles?
Nice’s 17-match winless streak matches the record set by Marseille between 1998 and 2000. But unlike Marseille, who still won the Champions League in 1993, Nice haven’t reached a knockout round since 2017. Other French clubs like Lyon and Monaco are struggling too, but none have hit this level of consistent collapse. It’s not just about talent — it’s about structure. Nice’s board has cycled through six managers since 2020. No stability. No identity.
What’s next for FC Porto in the Europa League?
Porto will likely finish in the top six of their group, guaranteeing a Round of 16 spot. Their next match is either at home against Utrecht or away at Nottingham Forest, both on December 11–12. A win or even a draw should seal their progression. With Vega in form, Pepe commanding the defense, and Samu delivering in big moments, they’re one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.
