Portuguese media praise Kiwior and Bednarek after Porto win

Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek received encouraging reviews from the Portuguese press after FC Porto beat Rio Ave 2-0 in the league, extending a strong start to the new season for the champions.

Porto continue winning start

Porto have opened the campaign with three victories in all competitions. Francesco Farioli’s side first lifted the Portuguese Super Cup with a 1-0 win over SCU Torrense, then began their league season by beating Alverka 2-0.

The latest result came against Rio Ave, where both Kiwior and Bednarek started for Porto. Oskar Pietuszewski was unavailable because of injury. Porto secured another 2-0 victory, with goals from Borja Sainz and Nehuen Perez.

Kiwior also had the ball in the net in the 34th minute, but the effort was ruled out after officials identified an offside against Deniz Gul.

How the Portuguese press rated the Poles

Both Polish defenders were rated positively in the post-match coverage. A Bola gave Bednarek a 6 out of 10 and described his display as understated in the best sense, pointing to his aerial work and his role in helping Porto manage the penalty area against Rio Ave’s direct approach.

The same outlet awarded Kiwior the same mark. Its analysis highlighted his contribution in possession and in the first phase of the press, while also noting a pass played through for Pepe in the 51st minute. The report added that he remained solid defensively and was involved in several clearances that prevented Rio Ave from turning crosses into clear chances.

Record also praised Kiwior, noting that he won most of his duels and had one goal disallowed. Bednarek, meanwhile, was singled out for helping lead a defence that kept another clean sheet, with his passing accuracy seen as important in Porto’s early build-up.

Defensive platform taking shape

The reaction in Portugal suggests Porto’s defensive unit is settling quickly at the start of the season, with Kiwior and Bednarek both earning recognition for different aspects of their game. Kiwior’s influence was linked to progression from the back as well as defensive interventions, while Bednarek’s performance was framed around control, experience and authority in dealing with crosses.

For Porto, that balance has been reflected in results. The champions have won their opening league matches without conceding, and the latest clean sheet against Rio Ave only strengthened the positive mood around the team.

What comes next for Porto

Porto will play in the league phase of the Champions League this season and will discover their opponents in the draw on 27 August. Their first matches in that competition are scheduled for 8-10 September.

Before then, Porto still have three league fixtures to navigate:

• Arouka on 23.08
• Academico de Viseu on 29.08
• Moreirense on 05.09

If the early signs are any guide, the performances of Kiwior and Bednarek will remain a close point of interest as Porto look to carry their domestic momentum into the Champions League.