FC Porto traveled to Oliveira de Azeméis and secured a hard-fought win over Oliveirense with a late goal in the final minute. This narrow victory marked their second win in the quarterfinals, a stage where their spot in the Champions League Final Four was all but guaranteed after their 4-2 triumph at Dragão Arena in the first leg. Next, they’ll face off against Benfica, who eliminated Reus from Spain in this phase.
The match was largely uneventful, with Porto controlling the pace and keeping the game goalless until the dying minutes. Then, Hélder Nunes burst into action, displaying one of the few moments of brilliance. He drove the ball diagonally, dodged two defenders, and delivered a cross-shot that left goalkeeper Xano Edo with no chance.
Earlier, Oliveirense had a goal disallowed – or rather, it wasn’t counted – in the 12th minute of the first half. Facundo Navarro had beaten Xavi Malián, but the referee deemed the play had already been stopped. This was one of the few notable moments in a game that lacked excitement until Nunes’ late heroics.
Post-Game Analysis
The win sets up an intriguing matchup against Benfica, with a spot in the final on the line. Porto’s ability to grind out results will be crucial in this upcoming battle.
Key Stats
- FC Porto secured their second win in the quarterfinals.
- The team’s spot in the Champions League Final Four was nearly guaranteed after the first leg.
- Hélder Nunes scored the winning goal in the final minute.
- Oliveirense had a goal disallowed in the first half.