Sektioui excited by Porto's potential

Tarik Sektioui said his FC Porto side have all the confidence necessary to progress to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League after their 2-0 win over Beşiktaş JK sealed qualification for the last 16. "I think that we're very strong and that we can do some really good things in the competition," said the Moroccan international.

Selfless work
Sektioui set up the opening goal for Porto captain Lucho González towards the end of the first half before Ricardo Quaresma's strike ensured the Portuguese champions finished top of Group A. The 30-year-old resisted the temptation to add to his own UEFA Champions League tally after he cleverly beat visiting goalkeeper Rüstü Reçber to the ball in the 44th minute. "I saw Lucho was in a better position to score, so I gave him the chance," Sektioui said.

Calm demeanour
The winger was delighted with the way Porto handled the pressure of the crucial tie. "We knew what we had to do," he said. "We controlled the game very well. From start to finish this was a Porto team that played quick, disciplined football. We were by far the better team and we didn't give them any space to play." His thoughts were echoed by his team-mate Bosingwa. "We feel very satisfied," said the full-back. "Now we've come through a group where all the teams were very good."

Front foot
Quaresma said his second goal was just the breathing space the home team needed, with the visitors pressing to get back into the game. "It wasn't easy," admitted the wide man. "These games never are." Quaresma, who scored the last-gasp winner at the Inönü Stadium on Matchday 2 to put Porto in control of their qualification destiny, thought his side were always on the front foot. "We started the game well, and had chances," said the Portuguese international. "We were only lacking a goal, which happily Lucho scored."

Credit due
Beşiktaş' Chilean midfielder Rodrigo Tello was disappointed with the outcome, but conceded that his team had their hands full at the Estádio do Dragão. "We came here to win, but it's always difficult coming to Porto," he said, adding that the Turkish side could nevertheless be proud of their efforts. "We couldn't have done more. It's a shame for us, but it was a fair result. We have to say well done to Porto, and wish them good luck for the coming stages."