Porto head coach Farioli has hailed the goal contribution of Terem Moffi as his side secured a hard-fought 2-1 win at Stuttgart in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash on Thursday.
Super Eagles star Moffi, who had joined the club from Nice during the winter transfer window, opened scoring with his first European goal for the club.
Moffi’s compatriot Zaidu Sanusi then set up Rodrigo Mora for a second goal few minutes later, before Deniz Undav pulled one back for the home side.
Nigerian stars lead Porto to Europa League win
Porto started the clash with two Super Eagles stars in the lineup, as Moffi and Sanusi started the Europa League first leg clash at Stuttgart.
It was the former who made the first goalscoring contribution of the game, scoring in the 21st minute to put his side in the lead.
Sanusi then provided the assist for Mora to double the advantage, although Stuttgart pulled one back through Undav later in the half.
The German side scored another goal in the second half, which was ruled out by VAR, as Porto sealed a 2-1 win heading into next week’s return leg.
Farioli hails Moffi’s superb display
Speaking after the win, Farioli, who worked alongside Moffi at French club Nice before their reunion at Porto, expressed satisfaction with the striker’s display in the clash.
“Terem played a great game, helped us a lot in the duels, was fantastic off the ball, in pressing, and understood the game very well”, Farioli said.
The Porto boss also applauded the overall team’s performance as they claimed a very impressive win away from home.
“I think we did quite well. Before the match, we said it was very important to have the right energy, and that’s how we started the game. We had top moments both with and without the ball, against an opponent we knew and understood how they would play”, he continued.
“After the second goal, there were moments when we lost a bit of control, always giving an extra touch. But overall, I think it was a great performance in the first leg of the tie. There’s still a lot to do, but now our minds are on Moreirense. Now it’s time to sleep, rest, and tomorrow we start preparing.
Clearly. We played and will play again against a top team from the Bundesliga. Very physical, very technical. Today I saw Alberto for the first time having difficulties against a player faster and stronger than him. And that says a lot about the level of the opponent. I think we played a top match mentally and in terms of attitude, but we have to keep going. Keep growing. First with Moreirense, then again with Stuttgart”, Farioli concluded.
Porto will now face Moreirense in the Portuguese league this weekend, before their second leg clash in Portugal next Thursday.
