Champions League - FC Porto ease past APOEL

Eurosport - Wed, 21 Oct 21:40:00 2009

FC Porto notched up their second win in Group D with a routine 2-1 victory over APOEL Nicosia at a sodden Dragao Stadium.

FOOTBALL Champions League Porto's Hulk celebrates his goal against Apoel Nicosia with his teammates during their Champions League match at Estadio Dragao in Porto - 0

Porto fell behind to an own goal from Alvaro Pereira but two goals from Hulk, one of which was a penalty, sealed a win for the Portuguese who finished the game with 10 men following the dismissal of Mariano Gonzalez.

The first half began brightly, with APOEL surprising their hosts with some neat football. However Porto slowly began to take control of proceedings, with Gonzalez causing havoc down the left for the Portuguese.

But it was the Cypriots who drew first blood, a cross from the left ricocheting in off defender Pereira for an own goal on 22 minutes.

Porto strived for an equaliser and struck back on 33 minutes, Radamel Falcao capitalising on some calamitous APOEL defending to feed Hulk, who finished coolly into the corner from 12 yards.

Porto continued to dominate and could have added a second on 40 minutes, the impressive Cristian Rodriguez firing just wide from 20 yards.

The second half could not have begun worse for APOEL, Hulk grabbing his second of the night from the penalty spot on 48 minutes after Marios Elia inexplicably handled in the area.

The home side continued to batter the Cypriot defence and should have added a third three minutes later, Falcao missing from six yards after excellent work from Hulk.

Porto seemed to be cruising to a win before Gonzalez was sent off on 74 minutes for a needless cuff on Marinos Satsias. However, despite having a man advantage, APOEL could not test Helton in the Porto goal.

The home side saw out the 90 minutes in relative comfort and sit second in Group D, three points behind leaders Chelsea.

Tim Burnett / Eurosport

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  1. "...ease past"?! Not really

    From Vítor, on Thu 22 Oct 2:51AM
  2. Viva Porto, viva Portugal.!!

    From JAIME, on Thu 22 Oct 12:16AM
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