Mbetter late than never. Jan Bednarek is about to make his Champions League debut, aged 30, just over a year after signing for FC Porto. Despite already having an established career, which spent several years with Southampton, the Polish international is preparing to compete in the main European club competition for the first time.
Bednarek had, in fact, never competed in European competitions, until last season, in which he played 12 times in the Europa League. The day after tomorrow, Tuesday, he should be included in the starting eleven that Farioli will present when he welcomes PSV, in the 3rd round of the single league phase of the Champions League.
Bednarek’s debut in the Champions League was promised right after winning the national champion title last season, but a straight red card, seen in the 2nd leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, against Nottingham Forest, earned him a two-game ban from UEFA. In other words, Bednarek had to miss clashes with Manchester City and Real Betis, suffering from the stands, now returning to help FC Porto recover from the loss.
The Dragons lost the first two games in this edition of the Champions League and are therefore trying to get their first points against the Netherlands team. Bednarek should form a pair with his usual partner and compatriot Jakub Kiwior and try to at least prevent Diogo Costa from conceding goals, unlike what happened in previous matches.
In addition to contributing to FC Porto’s defensive consistency, Bednarek also represents another offensive weapon for Farioli to use and abuse in set pieces. The Polish central defender scored four goals last season and this season he already has one accurate shot, being a constant threat in offensive corners and indirect free kicks, taking into account his physical size.
Bednarek’s leadership is another asset at Farioli’s disposal, with the central defender assuming himself as a commanding voice in the Porto defense and also in the dressing room. An influence already recognized by the Italian coach and André Villas-Boas.
“Bednarek came first (than Kiwior and Pietuszewski), with all the leadership and defensive capacity he has”, stated Villas-Boas, president of FC Porto, last August, leaving the Grimaldi Forum, in Monaco, where he attended the Champions League draw, in response to the Polish press.
More recently, and in anticipation of the visit to Betis, Farioli also admitted that Bednarek’s forced absence would have an impact on the team’s dynamics, on and off the field.
“Jan Bednarek’s absence is important, because it impacts the team, not only in terms of performances, but also in terms of leadership”, assumed the Italian coach.
Time to fulfill a dream
Having overcome the suspension imposed by UEFA, Bednarek is finally ‘free’ to play in the Champions League, proving that it is never too late to make your oldest dreams come true.
The player from Słupca is unlikely to start against PSV and will be a key player for FC Porto to achieve their first European victory in 2026/27.
