Hello, my name is Reece Coughlan, and I will be bringing you coverage on Porto’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid. A match that doesn’t mean much for Porto, who have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition, but means everything for Atletico, who have Bayer Leverkusen looking over their shoulder in regard to a spot in the Europa League. The Spanish side currently sit a point in front of Xabi Alonso’s side, who are in action against group leaders Club Brugge.
Embed from Getty Images1′ Atletico Madrid get us underway with their place in Europe on the line
3′ First sign of danger for Atletico, as Galeno manages to pick out Taremi, who is unable to get his shot on target.
5′ PORTO TAKE THE LEAD! Atletico have their backs against the wall now. Mehdi Taremi is on the scoresheet early, connecting with Evanilson’s pass across goal from the right-hand side for a tap-in.
Porto’s goal has major implications in the race for the Europa League, as Bayer Leverkusen have now overtaken Atletico Madrid for 3rd place in the group!
9′ Play is stopped as Pepe receives treatment, having been on the end of a challenge.
12′ Oblak comes to the rescue! Porto are absolutely having their way with the visitors. Taremi’s reverse pass finds the feet of Galeno, who should put the hosts 2-0 up but the Slovenian keeper is there.
18′ Joao Felix tries to make things happen down that left-hand flank, but Pepe is there to see out any danger. Goal kick to Porto.
20′ Savic whips a cross to Felix, who just can’t get enough power on his header to create a threat for Atletico.
23′ SAVIC HAS MADE A MESS OF THAT! The Montenegrin centre-back hesitates and is beaten for pace by Galeno, who cuts it back to Eustaquio for Porto’s second of the game.
Embed from Getty Images31′ Shouts for a penalty are waved off by the referee. Felix’s cross finds the feet of Correa, who falls to the ground after some contact.
36′ Beautiful football from Porto on the break. Galeno beats Savic in the air once again before finding Evanilson, who produces a wonderful back heeled pass to Taremi. Taremi is able to find a pass between two Atletico defenders to Otavio, but Oblak is on the scene to deny the Portuguese club.
39′ Marko Grujic receives a yellow card for his second foul in quick succession.
45′ We’ve got some gamesmanship from Sérgio Conceição. The Porto manager stops the momentum of Rodrigo De Paul by delaying the Argentine’s attempt to recover the ball for a throw in.
Half-time at the Estádio do Dragão! Porto look to be in total control against a poor Atletico side – the visitors will have to dig deep in the second half, if they want to have any chance at playing European football for the rest of this season.
45′ We’ve arrived at the second half of action. Europa League hopes hang in the balance for Atletico, it’s now or never!
48′ Savic picks up Atletico’s second yellow card of the game for a foul on Zaidu.
51′ It’s Oblak verses Porto at this point! The Slovenian goalkeeper parries Taremi’s shot away, in what looked like a dangerous opportunity for the hosts.
53′ Porto are forced into a substitution, as Zaidu is unable to continue following Savic’s challenge. Wendall takes his place at left-back.
60′ Saul Nigeuz makes way for Yannick Carrasco, while Matheus Cunha replaces Joao Felix – the latter heavily jeered by the Porto supporters for his ties to Benfica.
62′ How has he not put that away??? Everyone expected that to be the third for Porto, who are unable to take advantage of the Atletico defensive shape. Evanilson is one-on-one with Oblak but sends the shot over the ball.
67′ GRIEZEMANN HAS THE BALL IN THE BACK OF THE NET!! Atletico, believe they have pulled one back through the Frenchman, but the referee has calls for a foul on De Paul in the build-up. A controversial decision, that’s for sure.
68′ It’s all kicking off following the decision to disallow the goal. De Paul and Cardoso get into a heated altercation, which has to be broken up by teammates and the official. Both players receive a yellow card for their troubles.
73′ Diogo Costa won’t allow the Porto wall to be broken! The Portuguese shot stopper denies Correa.
76′ Oblak is taken by surprise, thanks to a huge deflection on Taremi’s effort. Fortunately for Atleti, the ball soars over the crossbar.
81′ Evanilson’s night has come to an end. The Brazilian is replaced by Toni Martinez.
84′ Atletico are desperate for a goal at this stage. Cunha isn’t able to find the target with his effort, worrying times for the La Liga side.
85′ Youngster Pablo Barrios enters the frame, as he replaces Angel Correa.
89′ Three changes for Porto. Rodrigo Conceicao, Bernardo Folha and Goncalo Borges replace Pepe, Galeno and Otavio.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespair for Atletico Madrid fans, as word spreads that Bayer Leverkusenhave managed to secure a draw against Club Brugge. It will take a miracle for Atletico to qualify for the Europa League.
94′ Could something special be on the cards??? Ivan Marcano puts the ball in the back of his own net. They can’t…surely?
And the referees whistle signals the end of a highly entreating affair. Porto will be walking away celebrating having topped the group, while its misery for Atletico, who crash out of Europe entirely.
Player ratings:
Costa: 7, Pepe: 8, Cardodo: 7, Marcano: 7, Zaidu: 7, Grujic: 6, Otavio: 7, Eustaquid: 8, Galeno: 8, Taremi: 9, Evanilson: 8
Oblak: 8, Savic: 4, Gimenez: 5, Mandava: 5, Molina: 5, De Paul: 6, Witsel: 6, Niguez: 5, Correa: 6, Griezmann: 6, Felix: 6
