Porto's André Silva the scourge of Club Brugge again
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
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André Silva's deflected header just before half-time proved enough for Porto to once again get the better of Club Brugge, who therefore exit the competition.
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André Silva once more proved the undoing of Club Brugge, his deflected first-half header earning Porto the points in Portugal and ending the Belgian side's interest in this season's UEFA Champions League.
After an uneventful first half-hour, Club Brugge's Wesley had the first real chance of the night, drawing a diving stop from Iker Casillas. Porto, however, came to life when Diogo Jota's free-kick unexpectedly bounced up and on to the crossbar, Ludovic Butelle reacting smartly to block Danilo's follow-up.
Porto did not have long to wait for what proved the decisive breakthrough, Alex Telles' left-wing corner met at the near post by André Silva, whose header struck Tomás Pina and looped into the far corner.
Needing an equaliser to stay in the competition, Club Brugge had to push forward in the second period with the home side having several decent openings for a second, although they needed a fine save from Casillas to dent Pina late on.
Key player: André Silva (Porto)
His team's match winner in the reverse fixture on matchday three, André Silva proved the hero of the hour once again for a Porto side revived after a slow start in the section. The 21-year-old Portugal international's determination dragged his team out of their first-half slumber and although his tenth club goal of the campaign contained a slice of fortune, his presence for Porto is proving ever more crucial.
Back to winning ways
Although Porto had never before lost at home to Belgian opposition, the Dragões were nonetheless wary they were facing Club Brugge on the back of a four-game win-less streak at home in European competition. That unwanted record now consigned to the past, coach Nuno Espírito Santo will know he needs to work his players hard as they seek the all-round improvements needed before their crucial encounter away to København on 22 November.
Selection surprises
With experienced captain Timmy Simons already suspended, Club Brugge leaving out regular starters like Jelle Vossen, Hans Vanaken and Anthony Limbombe was something of a surprise. Over the four matches so far, however, the Belgian champions have come up short in each of them and are still awaiting their first points of this season's competition.
Reporters' views
Paul Bryan, Porto (@UEFAcomPaulB)
Porto have yet to light up this season's UEFA Champions League and appear a side still in transition under coach Espírito Santo. That the Dragões have lifted themselves to second in the standings, however, will provide a huge lift to team morale with two significant challenges remaining in Group G.
Berend Scholten, Club Brugge (@UEFAcomBerendS)
With Simons already out, the decision not to start with regulars Vossen, Vanaken and Limbombe seems to have been a bit too much. Although Club Brugge were competing well in the first 35 minutes, with Wesley having the best chance of the match, the unfortunate deflection off Tomás Pina proved decisive. The numbers don't lie; Club Brugge have not been able to make an impact in this campaign.
