It was another successful matchday for Portuguese football in the Champions League tonight, with victories for FC Porto and Sporting.
Porto guaranteed top spot in Group H with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Bate Borisov in Belarus. Héctor Herrera had a match to remember, the Mexican opening the scoring with a spectacular strike before providing two beautiful assists well finished by Jackson Martínez and Cristian Tello.
Sporting overcame Maribor and a long delay because of floodlight failure to beat the Slovenians 3-1 at the Alvalade and move into second place in Group G. Nani had another magnificent game, scoring a majestic goal and providing an assist for Slimani, while Carlos Mané and Sporting defender Jefferson (unfortunately in his own net) also got on the scoresheet.
Match reaction
Porto coach Julen Lopetegui:
"For us all games are of great importance. The players realise this and clocked up three more important points. We showed motivation, intensity, commitment and attitude. The team is improving game by game."
Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma:
"It was an important victory in tough conditions because of the cold. It wasn't easy and we're pleased because we controlled the game from start to finish."
Sporting coach Marco Silva:
"It was a good and just victory for our team. We have to stop letting the opposition back into games, like we did tonight with a moment of lack of concentration that led to their goal. After the third goal we took control again and could have scored more on several occasions. We know we are guaranteed the Europa League, but we want to continue in the Champions League."
Sporting midfielder William Carvalho:
"We're to be congratulated. We've guaranteed our presence in the Europa League but we want to stay in the Champions. A draw will be enough for us but we're only thinking about winning the three points at Chelsea."
