THE FUSE

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Cuca praised the individual quality shown by his marquee signing, even though the playmaker's match minutes exceeded the coaching staff's original expectations. Reflecting on the attacking midfielder's decisive contribution in clinching all three points in the derby, Cuca highlighted: "We managed Coutinho's minutes today, which wasn't even meant to be as much as it was. But he already demonstrated his immense quality and was directly involved in the winning goal. I think things were managed very well."