 |
 |
 |
| Thursday, 16 February 2012 22:00 |
Europa League: Porto 1-2 Manchester CityLate Aguero strike sinks Dragons A dynamic, purposeful first half gave way to a disjointed, fatigued second period for Porto at the Dragao tonight. A Varela tap-in resulted in a half time lead, but Manchester City were a resurgent force after the interval, levelling thanks to an Alvaro Pereira own goal on 55 minutes, and plundering a late winner through Sergio Aguero to take a one-goal advantage back to Manchester.
Vitor Pereira made two changes from Sunday’s 4-0 win against Leiria, with Rolando and James returning to the starting line-up in place of Mangala and Janko – the latter being ineligible for the Europa League. Nico Otamendi was also unavailable due to suspension. The visitors welcomed back Yaya Toure from African Cup of Nations duty, with the Ivorian spearheading a near full-strength selection from Roberto Mancini.  The early moments saw both sides looking to use every blade of grass on the expansive Dragao surface, with Hulk in particular pressing high up the field and challenging Joe Hart. Fernando and Maicon had their hands full coping with the lung-bursting runs of Yaya Toure, whilst David Silva defied collective efforts to deny him space from the get-go. James was a similarly will-o-the-wisp presence, dropping deep to link up with Lucho.Porto’s aggressive pressing and fluid passing had City pinned back in their own territory for much of the first half, though it was perhaps telling that their best chance came from a set-piece: Rolando’s downward header from a Hulk corner was steered over the bar by Clichy, with Hart in mid-dive. The home support were quick to show their appreciation for the unfussy work being done by Fernando and Danilo, and the anxiousness when the latter was stretched off after a crunching challenge from Toure with 20 minutes gone was palpable. This mounted moments later, when Helton failed to effectively deal with a Nasri free-kick – though he did make amends in turning Richard’s rebound behind for a corner, before beating away another fierce City effort; this time from Nasri. After 21 minutes the home were forced into a tactical change, with Danilo unable to continue. The Brazilian was replaced by Mangala, which saw Maicon shift over to the right-back spot he had occupied for much of the campaign.  With almost half an hour gone, both coaches would have been reasonably happy with what they had seen, but it was at that point that the momentum swung decidedly towards the home side. A one-two between Lucho and Hulk saw the Brazilian released into the wide areas where his instincts clearly lie, and he swung in a thunderous low cross, which Varela turned home ahead of De Jong.The Dragao was in full voice, but it took another smart save from Helton to extend the length of Porto’s lead beyond the two-minute mark. The veteran had to draw upon all his reflexes to keep a well-struck Balotelli effort out, as City looked to respond instantly. The intensity in the stands must have filtered down onto the pitch, as the tackles began to fly in during the closing stages of the half. Moutinho, Alvaro Pereira, Silva and Richards were all involved, but referee Cuneyt Cakir managed to keep control. Having fallen behind, City began to up the tempo, enjoying more possession and producing a succession of incisive deliveries. However, Porto’s defence held firm, and the Dragons went into the interval ahead – Hulk even found the space to fire narrowly over stoppage time. The second half unfolded in similar fashion to the conclusion of the first, with City in the ascendancy. Micah Richards tested the pace and positioning of Mangala early on, and had such success that, moments later, he repeated the trick, crashing off the post with a low strike that had Helton beaten. Porto were not without space of their own though; Lucho or Moutinho would on occasion find themselves with Hulk or James plus three City defenders in front of them, but the away side were comprehensive in their smothering interceptions.  Ten minutes into the second half, City found an equaliser in surreal fashion. A raking cross-field pass from Richards saw Alvaro Pereira enter a foot race with Balotelli. The two were shoulder-to-shoulder and moving at pace, but the pace of the ball after it deflected off the Uruguayan’s shoulder and over Helton before trickling in was agonisingly slow. Replays clearly illustrated Helton in discussion with his teammate, suggesting that Alvaro failed to heed a call – but whatever was said, City were level. Just as they had been placed under pressure after scoring, Porto proceeded to crowd their opponents, press forward, and win a succession of free kicks, one of which led to Hulk forcing Hart into a low save with a signature curling effort. As the hour mark came and went the game was exceptionally-finely poised, and both sides appeared to be collectively drawing breath for the finale. One of the exceptions to the drop in tempo was Alvaro, who was clearly attempting to atone for his error by rampaging up and down the left wing, and shooting on sight. His efforts were in vain, however, as the flow was disrupted by substitutions from both coaches, and noticeable weariness amongst the first half’s key protagonists.  It was this weariness that led to a late winner for the away side. After a Moutinho mistake gifted possession to City, a surging run by Toure, combined with positional inadequacies on the part of Maicon, Mangala and Rolando, allowed the Ivorian to charge into the area and pick out the substitute Aguero, who couldn’t miss from close range. Porto attempted to work the ball out wide time and again during the final stages, but their race was run. The Dragons travel to Manchester knowing that are still in the tie, but that a tough task awaits them. Goals [1-0] Varela 27’ [1-1] Alvaro Pereira (OG) 55’ [1-2] Aguero 85’ Porto: Helton; Danilo (Mangala 21’, Defour 88’), Maicon, Rolando, Alvaro Pereira; Fernando, Lucho Gonzalez, Joao Moutinho; Varela (Kleber 76’), Hulk, James Rodriguez. Manchester City: Hart; Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; De Jong, Barry; Nasri (Zabaleta 87’), Toure, Silva (Kolarov 81’); Balotelli (Aguero 77’). Ben Shave |
But you also made a statement that should be of concern. By all accounts Porto was unable to maintain their pace and intensity in the second half. I know that VPs hands were a bit tied having to make a sub for Danilo so early on, but its got to be a concern that Porto got so tired. Once again I have to question VP and his overall stewardship of this club. He had already come out and said he didn't want to mess up what he had or burden them with tactics. Now it looks as is conditioning could be an issue as well.
I wonder if PdC would be as forgiving of another manager if he hadn't trumpeted him as much as he did VP.
Maicon, Rolando, Danilo, Periera were another new combination, then there's Mangala, Otamendi and Sapunaru.The problem is there is no great leader in the defence - We need a Jorge Costa, or Carvalho or even fernando Couto - the current crop just cannot do the business at the highest level - they looked like strangers at times waiting for the next guy to pick up the attacking player, that's why Alvaro periera was in the centre back position when he knocked the ball in, where were maicon and rolando? They just cant read the game - i hope we spend some sensible money on the central defensive positions, because right now there is no quality there.
Just remember that Porto didn't lose to a bunch of scrubs...these guys are really good and because of the FA cup break, they haven't had any other team to prepare for this week besides FC Porto. They are healthy and know they have a good chance of winning this competition. Porto are a good team, and I will admit that they could've been better tactically, but remember that there is still a significant gap in talent between the two teams and that's not an insult because Man City are talented than most teams they play against.
Forca Porto, good luck in Manchester!
and what about alvaro pereira?? is it just me who thought man city showed everyone what sort of player he really is? he was awful. glad he never did make it to benfica like he was meant to
As for City, Mancini has been playing a much more defensive approach in the last few matches. He is really focusing in getting clean sheets.
The big problem for Porto is that City has been excellent at home. They average just over 3 goals at home, and Portos defense hasn't been nearly as good.
I do find it funny how some people thought Porto was being pushed off the ball. Exactly the same tactics that Porto uses to great effectiveness.
I do think that Porto has a shot, but its minimal. I still think that vp just rolls the ball out there and hopes for the best.
But Porto must look positively, they dominated much of this match, and this showing demonstrates yet again that there's not much between the best in Portugal and the best in England (Benfica was very comfortable against United in the CL). If Porto can score first in Manchester, they may still stand a chance...but City are clearly huge favourites now to advance.
As for Hulk...I agree with Rene/fcp...the more i see him play this season, the more rediculous his buy-out clause is, a joke really. He's not worth more than 40 million euros (if even that). Problem is Porto have grown very dependant on him for their attacking, but he hasn't delivered like in the last few seasons. I always knew Falcao would be a huge loss for them!!!
I expect to know by 5th March if I get the job as porto will be either out of Europe or beaten by Benfica on the 2nd march
The answer is "Givanildo Vieira de Souza" aka "Hulk".
sell him before whole wold recognize that.
and the second goal i can't comprehend what the porto defense was trying to do with the ball instead of just clearing it. deflection goes into a perfect place for run on goal and everything is lost.
thats porto's luck this year
credit to city for playing a tight away match.
I'd dare to that with a more adventurous manager they would be unbearable.
On sad note it's looks like they're lodging complaint against c'os Balotelli and Yaya have been racially abused
Porto were great in the first half and they undid all of that work in the 2nd they were crap, the winner was not a result of Moutinhos mistake it was our defenders who were pathetic and werent even in the area, mangala should be dropped completely. Manchester city are a very beatable team, everton showed that not long ago, and Porto are far superior to them yet they gave us another loss. So so frustrated at the moment.
Hulk saw plenty of the ball, but apart from the nice assist, he was easily dealt with by the brilliant Kompany and Lescott.
Varela and James were definitely not at their best so Man City didn't have a hard time containing them.
It will take a miracle for Porto to beat Man City in England...
Hopefully Sporting will advance, but I fear that they will face the same fate as Porto.