The European press highlighted the own goal scored by Thiago Silva in FC The Brazilian defender’s own goal, in the 45th minute of the first half, increased the home team’s advantage and directly contributed to the Dragões’s first defeat in the 2025/2026 season. The result interrupted an unbeaten streak that had lasted almost ten months in the national championship.
The confrontation took place at Estádio Municipal of Rio Maior, where Casa Pia won their first victory as hosts in the current edition of Liga. Porto, which was comfortably leading the competition, saw its advantage in the table reduced after the unexpected stumble. Thiago Silva, 41 years old, has been an absolute starter since arriving at the club in December 2025.
The own goal came from a lateral free kick. The ball was raised in the area and, when trying to cut it, Thiago Silva deflected it with his knee into his own goal, surprising the goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Match details
Casa Pia opened the scoring early, with a goal from Larrazabal exploiting a defensive error from Porto. The home team knew how to manage the advantage and took advantage of the visitors’ individual errors to build the result.
In the second half, Porto pressed in search of a draw, but came up against a solid opposing defense led by goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira. Dragões’s added-time goal came late and was not enough to change the final score.
The confrontation marked the 20th round of Liga Portuguesa. Casa Pia, which was fighting against relegation, gained important momentum with the three points gained.
Individual performance by Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva completed four games for Porto before the clash against Casa Pia. The Brazilian arrived at the club, dissolving the defense duo formed by the Poles Jan Bednarek and Jakub Kiwior, which had been performing well.
Despite his international experience, the defender faced difficulties in positioning during the game. The own goal was classified as unfortunate by the Portuguese chronicler, but it raised questions about his adaptation to the European rhythm at the age of 41.
- Limited ball recoveries in the first half
- Difficulty in decisive aerial duels
- Direct participation in the second goal conceded
Repercussion in the Portuguese media
Portuguese newspapers highlighted Thiago Silva’s error as a key moment in the match. The newspaper A Bola described the move as a “goal in the wrong goal”, emphasizing the impact on the result.
Record published a video of the own goal and noted that the knee deflection surprised the Porto defense. Crônicas pointed out that Porto had difficulty creating clear offensive plays after being outnumbered on the scoreboard.
O O Jogo mentioned that Casa Pia made few mistakes and capitalized on the opponent’s mistakes. The defeat was seen as a surprise, considering the technical difference between the teams.
International reviews
The English press echoed the former Chelsea veteran’s stumble, questioning whether age weighs heavily in moments of pressure. Veículos experts highlighted that the return to Europa, motivated by proximity to the family in Londres, faces rigorous first tests.
At Itália, where Thiago Silva played for Milan, commentators recalled his leadership on the field, but admitted that individual mistakes are magnified in unexpected defeats. Alessandro Nesta, a former teammate, publicly defended the Brazilian and suggested he be called up for the 2026 Mundial.
Transfer context for Porto
Thiago Silva signed with FC Porto in December 2025, after ending his spell at Fluminense. The contract is valid until June 2026, with the option to renew for another season.
This is the defender’s second spell at the Portuguese club. In 2004/2005, at the age of 20, he joined the squad, but played mainly in the B team due to health problems.
The return to Europa fulfilled the player’s personal desire. The family stayed in Londres during their stay in Brazilian football.
Current position in the table
FC Porto maintains the lead over Liga Portuguesa, but saw its advantage over its pursuers diminish. The stumble allowed rivals such as Sporting and Benfica to approach.
Casa Pia rose to 15th place with three points. The team gained distance from the relegation zone.
Upcoming commitments include games for Europa League and national classics. Coach Francesco Farioli must adjust the defense for the following challenges.
Recent trajectory of the defender
Thiago Silva has played for PSG, Chelsea and the Brazilian national team, with more than 100 games for Brasil. No Fluminense, helped win continental titles before returning to Europe.
At 41 years old, he maintains a physical condition that has been praised in training. The episode against Casa Pia represents a rare error in a hitherto positive season.
Experts debate the balance between experience and competitive pace. The Brazilian remains a reference for young defenders in the Porto squad.
Porto season numbers
Porto had achieved consecutive victories before the defeat. The unbeaten run lasted 23 games in the national championship.
- 19 wins in 19 previous rounds
- Best attack in the competition until the setback
- Less leaky defense before the clash
The result directly impacts the title race. Rivais gained extra motivation following Liga.
