Europa League: FC Porto seize advantage 1st leg lead with Moffi goal, Zaidu assist

Terem Moffi opened the scoring and Zaidu Sanusi provided an assist as FC Porto’s Nigerian stars played a massive role in a 2-1 first leg victory for the Portuguese giants at Stuttgart in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

A double blow inflicted close to the half hour mark left the visitors with the advantage heading back to Portugal for the second leg next week.

In an even match, they seized the momentum in the 21st minute when high pressing led to a quick attack with Moffi executing a combination with Borja Sainz before firing in his second goal since joining on loan from OGC Nice.

And it was similar circumstances that led the visitors to double their advantage only six minutes later. The Stuttgart team continued to be asleep during a crucial stretch and Zaidu pressed high to intercept a pass before crossing for Rodrigo Mora to make it 2-0 in favor of Os Dragões.

The Bundesliga club did respond close to halftime when Bilal El Khannouss set up Denis Undav to cut the deficit in half. However, the hosts failed to take advantage of dominance in possession after halftime to provide any serious tests for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

After failing to make an impact in his first start for his new club in a cup match against Sporting earlier this month, Moffi received another opportunity and produced before being subbed out on the hour mark.

 

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Zaidu has spent time in and out of the picture this season under coach Francesco Farioli. However, the 28-year-old has performed well when selected and has now started four of the last six matches, bringing his totals to one goal and two assists in seventeen matches across all competitions.