Alhassan Yusuf shines, and Chidera Ejuke comes off the bench for Royal Antwerp in a damning defeat to Zaidu Sanusi's Porto.
Kano-born midfielder Alhassan Yusuf opened the scoring for Royal Antwerp against Porto, his first ever in the competition, but the Portuguese side retaliated brutally, returning four goals the other way to win 4-1.
The Dragons kept pace with Barcelona in Group H, getting a huge three points from their trip to Belgium, where they faced the Pro League champions at Bosuilstadion stadium. The win ensured they stayed second on the log, occupying an automatic qualification spot.
15:53 - 12.12.2022
Alhassan Yusuf Profile, Age, Career, Market Value, Playing Style, Social Media, Caps, Latest News
Alhassan Yusuf Profile, Age, Career, Market Value, Playing Style, Social Media, Caps, Latest News
19:56 - 04.06.2023
Heartbreak for Boniface as Alhassan's Antwerp seal Belgian league title in dramatic style
It was an incredible collapse for Victor Boniface and his Union Saint-Gilloise side on the final day of the Belgian season as Alhassan Yusuf's Royal Antwerp were crowned champions in Belgium.
How it happened
Yusuf returned to the starting line-up after failing to start in each of Antwerp’s last three games, including the 3-2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the last Champions League match week.
He was trusted from the start against Porto, and the Super Eagles hopeful midfielder repaid Mark Van Bommel by scoring the opener of the encounter with a stunning curler into the top right corner, his first in the competition.
The hosts withstood pressure from Porto, taking their lead into the half-time break, which in retrospect was a brief intermission before a total collapse in the second 45.
The architect of Antwerp’s doom second-half, Evanilson, was already introduced in the first, as the Brazilian came on in the 44th minute to replace the injured left-back Wendell.
The 24-year-old striker scored the first in his hat-trick on the night immediately after resumption from the break, assisted by Mehdi Taremi to restore parity.
As though angered they went behind in the game, Porto attacked with fervour and soon took the lead in the 54th minute thanks to a Stephen Estaquio strike.
Pepe set up Evanilson, who made it three in the 69th minute, and later in the game, the duo that came up with the equaliser combined once more to put Sergio Conceicao’s side 4-1 up.
Related content
23:16 - 05.10.2023
‘Porto should have had two penalties against Barcelona’ — Controversial ex-referee gives verdict on UCL calls
A former LaLiga referee believes that Barcelona were lucky not to concede two penalties against Porto during their UEFA Champions League match
22:01 - 04.10.2023
Porto vs Barcelona: Let off! Xavi's men triumph over unlucky Dragons
Barcelona take a big step in their Champions League group after defeating closest rivals Porto away from home.
09:48 - 29.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Omurwa features as Estrela suffer defeat to Braga
The Harambee Stars defender had a decent individual outing despite his side's 4-2 humiliation.
22:09 - 19.09.2023
Joao Felix and Lewandowski shine as Barcelona make UCL statement against Antwerp
Barcelona announced their intention to go all the way and win the UEFA Champions League with a statement win against Antwerp in their opening group match
18:55 - 19.09.2023
Barcelona vs Antwerp: Former Blaugrana midfielder plotting their European downfall
Barcelona will take on Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League, and former midfielder Mark Van Bommel believes he knows exactly how to stop the Blaugrana.
09:50 - 16.09.2023
STARS ABROAD Johnstone Omurwa underwhelms as Estoril are downed by Porto
The Kenyan defender left Harambee Stars camp early to link up with his Portuguese club for Friday's match but he ended up on the losing side