FC Porto booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League with a 2-0 victory over VfB Stuttgart, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win in their last-16 tie.
Nigeria internationals Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi both featured as Porto produced a composed performance at the Estádio do Dragão on Thursday.
Holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, the Portuguese side started confidently and took control of the tie in the 21st minute. William Gomes reacted quickest to a rebound, firing into the bottom corner to extend Porto’s aggregate lead.
Moffi, who had scored in the first leg, led the line and proved a constant threat with his physical presence, helping Porto maintain pressure on the Stuttgart defence despite not adding to his tally.
The hosts sealed victory in the 72nd minute when Victor Frøholdt struck from distance, his effort flying into the top corner to put the result beyond doubt.
Sanusi, operating at full-back, was booked in the first half before being substituted as part of tactical adjustments, with Porto managing the game effectively in the closing stages.
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Under the guidance of Francesco Farioli, Porto balanced attacking intent with control, making several second-half changes to protect their lead and ensure safe passage into the last eight.
Stuttgart struggled to find a response and were unable to overturn the deficit, exiting the competition after failing to convert their chances.
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Porto will now face Nottingham Forest F.C. in the quarter-finals after the English side overcame FC Midtjylland on penalties in their own last-16 tie.
