Portugal seize Netherlands initiative

A Sérgio Oliveira penalty and a classy Carlos Mané goal gave Portugal a significant first-leg lead on the road in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against the Netherlands.

With AS Monaco FC midfielder Bernardo Silva pulling the strings, Rui Jorge's side grabbed the initiative from the off, the Dutch reduced to snapping at them on the counterattack. However, it needed a spot kick in first-half added time to break the deadlock, Sérgio Oliveira putting the ball into the corner of the net after Sven van Beek was penalised for a challenge on Bernardo Silva.

The second period was to follow a similar pattern to the first, Adrie Koster's men once more unable to build up much attacking momentum, though Elvis Manu showed plenty of willing. The best chances continued to go Portugal's way, though it took until the 82nd minute for them to fashion a second goal, Sporting Clube de Portugal forward Carlos Mané – on as a 61st-minute substitute – slaloming through three defenders to beat Warner Hahn in the Netherlands goal.

The Netherlands will look to make amends as the tie concludes in Pacos de Ferreira on Tuesday.