22 February 2007, by Marco Pereira

Porto 1-1 Chelsea - match reaction

Jesulado Ferreira, FC Porto coach

“It was an intense game with a lot of aggression throughout. FC Porto were clearly superior in the first half. We started well, scored and controlled the game away from our area. Unfortunately, there was a decisive moment in the game when Robben came on and kick-started their attack straight away, which led to the equalising goal.”

“This allowed our opponents to be calmer, but it did not affect our way of playing. We continued to control the game until the end. In the second half we lost some rhythm.”

Helder Postiga, FC Porto striker

“We showed that FC Porto are a big club and that we can advance to the next round. It’s a result that leaves everything wide open and we have hope that we can achieve a good result in London.”

“Tonight we played an intelligent game. It’s a pity that we suffered a goal shortly after we had scored. It was normal facing off against Ricardo Carvalho (former team-mate and international colleague). It’s always difficult to play against quality defenders.”

Ricardo Carvalho, Chelsea FC defender

“A draw is not as bad as a loss. FC Porto had space, created various opportunities, but we ended up improving. In the grand scheme of things I believe things went well for us. Unfortunately, Terry got injured and Essien had to play with me in defence, but we are used to these situations and he adapted to the position.”

“How was my return to the Dragao? For me, it’s always good to return to this stadium. This is where I was brought up and became the player, and person, that I am today. As a result, it’s always an honour to play in front of the Portistas.”

Jose Mourinho, Chelsea coach

“It’s a result that leaves me content due to the game’s circumstances. We came here 0-0 and left 1-1. It’s always a positive result in European competitions. I lost a central defender in the first five minutes, without having another on the bench, and then I had to change the team’s structure. Then Robben came in and he too got injured.”

“It forced Chelsea to be pragmatic and realistic. We defended in a game that did not have great opportunities, apart from the time Quaresma and Drogba hit the woodwork. It was a game of a high level, but without great beauty. We had some opportunities to win, but I believe that it would have been profoundly unjust.”

Porto 1-1 Chelsea - Match Report