Federico Chiesa is congratulated after his second goal of the nightAFP via Getty Images
Juve are out after an incredible tie which saw the momentum switch from one side to the other so many times. It is fair reward for Porto, who resisted with ten men when everything seemed lost. A huge disappointment for Andrea Pirlo s side, though. A great display by Chiesa, including two spectacular goals, was not enough for the Bianconeri. Likewise their desperate onslaught for a miraculous comeback after Rabiot s late goal.
Carlos Machado, Porto reporter
This was a legendary performance from so many players. Marchesín, Pepe and Sérgio Oliveira stood out but, overall, it was a tremendous team effort from Porto, who reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the fifth time. They fully deserved it too, because they knew how to suffer, playing from the 54th minute with ten men. Still they managed to resist, regroup and win the tie. What an epic night!
Portugal vs Croatia: Under-21 EURO background, form guide, previous meetings Monday 1 February 2021
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Portugal and Croatia meet in the opening round of Group D games 21 years on from a memorable play-off tie between the teams.
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The opening round of Group D games brings together Portugal and Croatia, who produced a memorable play-off tie in their only previous UEFA European Under-21 Championship matches.
• The fixture at the Stadion Bonifika in Koper features two teams who both experienced group stage elimination on their most recent appearance in the final tournament.
2021 Under-21 EUROs: Meet the teams
The full-back impressed in the encounter to help the Blue and Whites secure a record 22 Portuguese Super Cup title in their history.
Sergio Oliveira opened the scoring in the 25th minute of the game, converting his effort from the penalty spot.
Luis Diaz then sealed the victory in the 90th minute to ensure Porto continue their domination of the Super Cup.
Sanus featured for the duration of the match while Mbemba, who made his 17th appearance this season for Jorge Jesus’ men, was on parade for 76 minutes before he was replaced by Diogo Leite.
The African stars will be expected to continue their impressive performances when Porto take on Vitoria Guimaraes in their next league game on December 29.
In a fast-paced first half, it was the hosts who took a 21st-minute lead when referee Manuel Oliveira pointed to the spot after Iran international Mehdi Taremi was brought down inside the box by Pedro Henrique.
Sergio Oliveira made no mistake in dispatching the ensuing kick past goalkeeper Daniel Guimaraes, who guessed the right direction.
The opener gave Porto a firm grip on the game as they dominated ball possession and created more scoring opportunities. They could have doubled their advantage as Jesus Corona missed from close range after being released by Octavio’s cross.
Seven minutes before the half-time break, Marega doubled the lead after profiting from an assist from Taremi. Diogo Leite recovered the ball in the centre of the field, found the Iranian, who in turn passed to the Malian forward for a cool finish.