Porto sneak into last eight on away goals

March 12, 2009

PORTO, Portugal (AFP) – FC Porto scraped into the Champions League quarter-finals on away goals after a battling goalless draw against Atletico Madrid here on Wednesday.

This stalemate at the Estadio Do Dragao after the 2-2 first leg draw in Madrid left the tie all square on aggregate with Porto’s priceless goals in the Spanish capital winning the day.

Porto, the 2004 European champions when in the care of Jose Mourinho, fielded an unchanged side that had performed so well in the first leg a fortnight ago.

Atletico coach Abel Resino in contrast made two changes with Luis Perea replacing Giourkas Seitaridis at right back and surprisingly top scorer Diego Forlan coming off for the pacy Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

In a tight affair though chances proved few and far between with one of the better ones coming Porto’s way when deep into the second half Cristian Rodriguez forced Atletico keeper Leo Franco into a quick reflex save.

Franco needed to have his wits about him shortly after to deny a shot from Raul Meireles.

And as Porto went all out to try and put the tie beyond doubt Franco had to be quick off his feet again to stop Lucho Gonzalez’s shot as the final whistle beckoned.

Rival sets of fans clashed outside the stadium before kick-off leaving at least one person injured, Portuguese police who made two arrests, reported.

Written by: AFP

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