Unlike their opponents, Porto had less time to prepare for the cup final due to its participation in the 2011 UEFA Europa League final. Porto manager André Villas-Boas selected a squad of eighteen players to take to the Jamor. Villas-Boas left out center back Nicolás Otamendi and Colombian striker Radamel Falcao who played in the Europa League final four days prior to the cup final. Despite leaving him out in the Europa League final, Villas-Boas included midfielder Mariano González in his cup final squad. González prior to the cup final, announced that he would leave the "Dragões" following the cup final. The "Portistas" lined up in a 4–5–1 formation. Villas-Boas opted to rest several key players who had played in the Europa League final four days earlier, and lined up with several fringe players. This was the case for goalkeeper Beto, who replaced Helton, and for James Rodríguez, who replaced Falcao. The inclusion of Rodríguez, who started on the left wing, saw Hulk play in the center forward role as a replacement for the absent Falcao.