Grieving Lucho takes his cue for Porto
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Article summary
Lucho González scored at GNK Dinamo Zagreb after hearing that his father had died, with the FC Porto man feeling that his role in the 2-0 Group A win was "in the script".
Article body
Lucho González said "it was in the script" that he would score in tribute to his father, who passed away hours before FC Porto's 2-0 Group A win at GNK Dinamo Zagreb, with home midfielders Sammir and Josip Pivarić conceding generously that the better team prevailed.
Lucho González, Porto midfielder
It was in the script that I'd score. When I heard the news that my father had died, the coach and the club directors spoke to me and gave me their support. My goal took some weight off obviously, but it does not matter who scores the goals – it only matters that we got the victory.
All Champions League games are difficult and you have to be focused and take your chances when they come, as well as defending well when you need to, because the opposition have their opportunities. We played a great game against an inexperienced Champions League side. Playing Paris Saint-Germain in the next game is going to be special for a former Marseille player and I'm delighted Marseille have got great momentum in the French league. PSG have great players and huge potential.
Christian Atsu, Porto forward
This was my first Champions League game and I'm delighted as we played very well. We are hoping to go as far as possible. It was an outstanding game for us because it is not easy to win away from home. Nothing is easy in the Champions League and Dinamo are a very good side.
We won so we are very happy. I think Porto are favourites in this group because we are going to work hard to get where we want to go. Every player wants to start games but the coach knows what he is doing so you have to accept it when you are on the bench.
Sammir, Dinamo midfielder
Porto are a better team than us and they proved it. There is a big difference between us and them and they deserved to win. We had some chances – we could have scored at least once – but we were unlucky.
Josip Pivarić, Dinamo midfielder
Porto destroyed our midfield and we had a lot of problems getting hold of the ball. Our midfield is so young, while theirs is packed with stars and experience. There is a big difference in terms of budget between our two teams. We are learning a lot and I think we still have a chance to be third in this group. Porto will fight for first place with PSG.
