Porto Starts Bednarek and Zaidu Against PSV in Champions League

FC Porto reshaped its starting lineup for the Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven at Estádio do Dragão on October 20, 2026, bringing Jan Bednarek back into central defense and selecting Zaidu at left back. Coach Francesco Farioli sought a stronger response after consecutive defeats left Porto without a point in the league phase.

According to SPORT.TV, Porto started with Diogo Costa in goal, Alberto Costa, Bednarek, Kiwior and Zaidu in defense, Pablo Rosario, Froholdt and Gabri Veiga in midfield, and Pepê, Pietuszewski and Samu in attack. The selection restored Bednarek after his two-match suspension and introduced changes following the 3-2 loss to Betis.

Before the match, Farioli said the team had prepared adequately and was ready to compete. His comments, published by SAPO, addressed Porto's difficult opening results, the tactical challenge posed by PSV and the need to convert scoring opportunities.

Farioli expressed confidence in the team's preparation while acknowledging that its recent performances had not produced the desired outcomes.

"We have worked properly over the past few days, so I would say we are ready." Farioli said.

The Italian also defended the team's overall performance despite its results, pointing to a decisive shift in the previous match and the importance of maintaining perspective beyond a short run of games.

"It is a moment. In the last game, we had the match under control, and a card changed the dynamics. Sometimes situations affect performance.

What matters is long-term value. We approach this aggressively. PSV is even more extreme: press and press, with every pass an opportunity.

Losing the ball creates risks. It will be a very open game. It is an opponent that does not make me feel more comfortable just because of two results."

Farioli said.

He also explained how possession and pressure could determine the contest, arguing that the team without the ball can influence the tempo as much as the side controlling possession.

"I was listening to an interview with Arteta earlier, and he was talking about how the game unfolds. We normally think that the team with the ball controls the game, but the team without the ball decides the rhythm. You can have a Ferrari, but if there is traffic, you have to stay in line.

It will probably be a game in which possession changes hands. We must be good and efficient when we get our opportunities." Farioli said.

Discussing the tactical demands, Farioli highlighted the intensity of individual battles and the need for Porto's defenders to respond to PSV's attacking threats.

"We have to have everything ready." Farioli said.

He anticipated an open contest in which winning possession and managing pressure would be particularly important.

"It will be a very open game, full of duels and messy moments involving three players. Whoever wins the ball will have a greater advantage. We like to be very aggressive, but we want to find the right moment.

They are more of a high-speed team. We have to stay switched on because we have not faced a team like this here. We will have space, but we have to get there.

I think there are more benefits than risks. They do these things well; they would not have been champions so many times in recent years if they did not. Our center back has to track the forwards, and they have quality on the wings.

It is a game with different threats, and we need a great performance." Farioli said.

Farioli's pre-match assessment also addressed Porto's finishing and defensive concerns. After the defeat to Betis, he disputed the suggestion that his side had struggled to create chances, while acknowledging that its defensive record had deteriorated.

"We deserved more in both games. We competed very well, but we did not get the results we wanted." Farioli said.

He emphasized the significance of playing at home as Porto attempted to improve its position in the competition.

"Returning home is very important." Farioli said.

Farioli identified the need to deliver a positive result in front of Porto's supporters.

"A good result." Farioli said.

On Porto's attacking performance against Betis, the coach pointed to missed opportunities rather than an inability to create openings.

"Against Betis, we had several clear chances, but we were not good enough at finishing." Farioli said.

He nevertheless acknowledged that the team had conceded more goals than usual in recent matches.

"In recent games, we have conceded more than we are used to." Farioli said.

The return of Bednarek offered another option in central defense after his suspension.

"He is back now, and we are happy." Farioli said.

At left back, Farioli indicated that the competition for selection remained open among Zaidu, Francisco Moura and Souza.

"We are fortunate to have three players who can play there, and they will play." Farioli said.

In separate comments reported by 24Horas, Farioli compared Portuguese and Dutch soccer, describing the Portuguese game as more focused on controlling proceedings and the Dutch game as more open and physical. The coach also spoke emotionally about his former club Ajax, reflecting on his connection to the team and its city.

"It is a club I love, a city that gave me a lot." Farioli said.

He described the separation as a consequence of the direction his career had taken.

"Football separated us, but those things remain." Farioli said.

Porto entered the fixture in 30th place in the Champions League league phase with zero points, according to Sporting News. PSV occupied 26th place with one point after losing 1-0 to RB Leipzig. Porto's previous European defeat had come against Betis, while the Portuguese side had also lost to Manchester City.

Sporting News reported that Porto was without injured players Gabriel Veron, William Gomes and Vasco Souza. PSV coach Peter Bosz also faced several absences, including Van Bommel, Pepi, Wanner, Pleá and Nagalo. Bednarek's return and the selection of Zaidu were among the notable changes in Porto's lineup for the October 20 encounter.