Porto 4 : 0 Basel
Porto win 5-1 on aggregate
Porto win 5-1 on aggregate
While the Schalke vs. Madrid matchup will be one to remember, Basel fans will be quick to forget a shockingly flat performance against FC Porto. While they had played out an entertaining and impressive 1-1 draw at St. Jakob-Park in Basel for the first leg of the match-up, the Swiss champions were unable to capitalize on a fantastic chance to progress to the quarterfinals and struggled to show against Lopetegui’s men. Even Basel’s seasoned captain Marco Streller, who just announced that he will be retiring from football at the end of the season, could not inspire any more European magic and Basel crashed out with a 4-0 loss.
Porto certainly deserved to take the lead in the 14th minute when Brahimi slammed a stunning free-kick past the stationary Vaklic. Basel’s frazzled defender Samuel conceded a free kick in a dangerous area after several minutes of Porto pushing the visitor’s defense. Porto’s celebration was short-lived after their captain Danilo was stretchered off following a serious collision with his own goalkeeper, Fabiano. The defender was frighteningly still for several moments before the medical team came to his aid and he was stretchered off into an awaiting ambulance. In spite of the loss, Porto continued to dominate in the attack, pushing lots of blocks from Vaklic and his defenders. Basel held on to the half, but a pep-talk from Sousa at the break did nothing to boost their performance.
It took just three minutes into the half for Porto to net one, this time Herrera received a neat pass and was left unmarked at the top of the box. He made no mistake and smashed his shot home. Basel conceded another free-kick in the 56th minute and Casemiro, like Brahimi, sent a beautiful, curling shot over the wall and past the gloves of Vaklic. Basel were safely smothered and their defense was lagging. Abonbakar took full advantage of their tired legs and crushed morale and made a spectacular run into the box with the ball and finished with a powerful shot.
Porto put on a spectacular display of organization, discipline and a desire to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2008/2009 and deservedly marched on in front of their home crowd.
