Europa League: Lyon secure important win at Porto

Lucas Paqueta’s solitary strike has handed Ligue 1 side, Olympique Lyon, a slender advantage in the Europa League round of 16 tie against FC Porto.

The French team secured the win through the goal that came in the second ha;f. the hosts had an injury-time equaliser that was ruled out.

The win has therefore taken Lyon took a step towards the quarter-finals. But anything can happen in this competition as no one can be ruled out.

Paqueta had in the first minute of the match clashed heads with Porto defender Pepe. Even with blood seeping through his bandage, the Brazilian playmaker stayed on the pitch to pull strings in midfield and scored the winning goal.

Pepe couldn’t return for the second half, but Paqueta opened got the back of the net just before the hour mark. The Brazilian midfielder steered the ball into the bottom corner. VAR had overturned an offside call in the build-up.

Porto were almost lucky of being awarded a penalty. The referee who had pointed to the spot for a handball by Paqueta later changed his mind after a second look at the VAR screen, as the handball was accidental. The ball initially bounced up off the midfielder’s knee before striking his arm.

Lyon’s Portuguese goalkeeper Anthony Lopes also stopped Porot from scoring by making a fine save towards the end of the half.

Getting a result against a Porto team that are top and unbeaten in the Portuguese league this season is a good one. They are also the first side Porot won’t score against this season in every game so far.

Meanwhile, Chancel Mbemba thought he had secured a draw for Porto in injury time when he finally beat Lopes to score the equaliser. But VAR changed the decision after stepping in once again to rule him offside.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed