FC Barcelona returns to the round of 16 of the Champions League after two seasons eliminated in the first phase. The pass was sealed after their 2-1 victory at home against Porto on the fifth round and they practically assured themselves of finishing first in group H, which will be defined when in the last match they visit Antwerp, which until now has not added any units.
Xavi Hernández’s team, which had Raphina from the start, thus silenced the criticism that was reinforced after the last draw with Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga. Porto, who did not count on Evanilson’s effectiveness in attack, will play everything when they host Shakhtar Donetsk.
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Pepê opened the scoring, but then the Joaos appeared
The first half hour was favorable for the Portuguese team, which with greater drive had the best chances to open the scoring. That effort paid off when in the 30th minute, Brazilian winger Pepê took advantage of a rebound from goalkeeper Iñaki Peña to inflate the net.
The nightmare for the Catalan club ended quickly, since after two minutes the tie came. Great play by Joao Cancelo, lying on the left side, to dribble in an individual action against an opponent and with great quality cross a shot against the post.
FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! #BarçaPorto pic.twitter.com/CC1dzLAL2X
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 28, 2023
The Joaos’ night was completed in the second half with Félix’s goal thanks to a soft touch with his right foot. The assistance was from his compatriot, Cancelo, the great figure of the match for her display and effectiveness in both attack and defense. For dessert, Raphinha almost scored a great bicycle kick, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Diego Costa.
Lineups
FC Barcelona : Iñaki Peña; Araujo, Koundé, Iñigo Martínez; Raphinha (Lamine Yamal, min.90), Pedri, De Jong, Gündogan, Cancelo (Balde, min.82); Lewandowski and João Félix (Ferran Torres, min.75).
Porto : Diogo Costa; João Mário (Jorge Sánchez, min.67), Cardoso (Namaso, min.90), Pepe, Zaidu; Pepê, Varela, Eustáquio (Nico González, min.80), Galeno (Toni Martínez, min.90); Taremi and Evanilson (Conceição, min.80).
