Terem Moffi scored his first-ever Europa League goal for Porto, while Zaidu Sanusi provided an assist as they claimed a 2-1 win over Stuttgart in the first leg of the Round of 16 clash on Thursday.
The Portuguese side had finished in the top eight and earned a second leg home advantage, but snatched a crucial win in the first installment of the clash in Germany.
Nigerian forward Moffi scored for the first time in Europe since joining the club on a season-long loan move from Nice in January, before Rodrigo Mora added a second from an assist from Super Eagles defender Sanusi.
Deniz Undav halved the deficit for the hosts, but Porto held on for an important win.
Porto’s Nigerian stars shine in crucial first leg win in Germany
Moffi and Sanusi started for Porto as they hoped to earn the advantage in their first leg encounter in Germany.
William Gomes struck the crossbar in a brilliant start by the visitors, before they grabbed the lead in the 21st minute as Moffi scored after an assist from Borja Sainz.
The Super Eagles star was then denied by a great save by Alexander Nubel, before the lead was doubled in the 27th minute as Mora scored after an assist from Sanusi.
Undav put his side back in the game with a good goal in the 40th minute, as Porto took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Angello Stiller thought he had equalized for the home side in the 70th minute, but his strike was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee.
Sanusi picked up a late yellow card for Porto, although they held on for a 2-1 victory.
What Next?
Porto return to action on Sunday against Moreirense in the Portuguese league, before welcoming Stuttgart to the Estadio do Dragao next Thursday for their second leg encounter.
