PORTO 5 - 0 RIO AVE
Iker Casillas returns to Porto starting XI after four months out
Real Madrid legend Casillas hasn't played for the Portuguese league leaders since October 2017 but was reinstated following the Dragons' Champions League humbling by Liverpool.
Porto remain top of the Portuguese league after beating Rio Ave 5-0, a game marked by the return of Iker Casillas in goal after more than four months as substitute in this competition.
Return of San Iker
Casillas, who has not started in the league since October 1, took charge of his area following last Wednesday's crushing defeat to Liverpool. The Champions League Last 16 first leg saw José Sá pick the ball out of his net on five occasions.
The 25-year old has been the preferred choice of manager Sérgio Conceiçao in recent times, meaning a starting berth for the Real Madrid legend in the lesser national competitions. It seems as though that result against Jürgen Klopp's side, which practically eliminates them from the Champions League, was a driver in Iker returning to the starting lineup.
0-5 to 5-0 for Porto
The Porto fans, in need of some joy after Wednesday, were rewarded with a return to domestic form. And they were duly given it with a 5-0 victory of their own against Rio Ave, with Sérgio Oliveira getting the rout underway with just two minutes on the clock.
Without having too much to do Casillas was called upon to make an important double save from Novais. The fans were quick to show their appreciation.
Those three points have Porto leading the table on 58 points, followed by Benfica on 56 and then Sporting on 53 but with a chance to close in with their game in hand against Tondela on Monday.