Porto punished 3-1 by Bayer Leverkusen in limp Europa League exit

Porto 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen (aggregate: 2-5)

Porto suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the Estádio do Dragão to end their UEFA Europa League adventure. Goals to Lucas Alario, Kerem Demirbay and Kai Havertz had the visitors in complete control before Moussa Marega's consolation. Sérgio Conceição's side can have no complaints after being outclassed by the Bundesliga club over both legs.

Porto suffer early setback

Porto began the match with attacking intent but found themselves behind in the 10th minute. A poor touch from Mateus Uribe allowed Kerem Demirbay, Kai Havertz and Lucas Alario to combine with the Argentine striker slotting home from close range.

Nadiem Amiri shot wide soon after as the hosts struggled to pose any serious threat. Jesus Corona, Moussa Marega and Otávio were scheming down the right wing but there was no end product and passes continually going astray.

Luis Diaz was injured in the 28th minute and replaced by Shoya Nakajima before the cards began to flow. Zé Luís and Sérgio Oliveira were cautioned in quick succession before Porto finally fashioned a chance.

Otávio started the move with some skill in the middle of the park before advancing to head Corona’s cross wide. It was Porto’s only chance of the half to highlight their struggles up front.

Quick one-two punch ends Porto’s campaign

Peter Bosz made a half time substitution as Mitchell Weiser replaced Lars Bender. Sérgio Conceição switched to a back three to start the second half after Uribe was hooked for Pepe.

It mattered little as Leverkusen extended their lead in the 50th minute. Edmond Tabsoba’s interception initiated the attack, Demirbay releasing Diaby who saw his shot was saved but Havertz was on the spot to find Demirbay who squeezed the ball under Agustín Marchesín.

The goal silenced the Porto faithful and they went completely mute seven minutes later as the Werkself put the result beyond doubt. Jonathan Tah’s long ball was headed onto Havertz by Alario, he released Diaby who saw another shot saved, picking up the rebound and squaring to an unmarked Havertz who had a simple finish.

 

Porto playing for pride

The Portuguese club required five unanswered goals to take the tie to extra time which was never going to happen. Corona found Nakajima in the penalty box but the Japanese schemer passed instead of trying his luck.

Tiquinho Soares replaced Zé Luís in the 64th minute and a minute later Porto pounced. Otávio’s cross was headed powerfully past Lukás Hrádecky by Moussa Marega but was far too little too late. The Mali striker had another chance to reduce the deficit but was let down by a heavy touch.

Enough already

Porto were down for the count as the crowd disappeared into the night, Leon Bailey replacing Diaby and forcing a save from Marchesín. The yellow cards had been given a workout all match, 11 issued by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs before he needed the red variety in the 85th minute as Tiquinho elbowed Tah in the face.

An ugly end to an ugly match for the Portuguese club who now turn all their attention to the Primeira Liga title race, starting with a tough trip to the Azores against Santa Clara on Monday night.

Class on display

Bayer Leverkusen proved they are superior to Porto and fully deserved to progress. The Werkself have now won six games in a row in all competitions and any Porto supporters who who hadn't heard of Kai Havertz surely know him now. The 20-year-old is often the best player on the pitch and he added another man of the match award to the collection in Porto.

The weaknesses in Sérgio Conceição's squad were ruthlessly exposed, highlighting not only a weak Porto but a weak Portuguese league.

By Matthew Marshall