Nigerian international Terem Moffi scored as FC Porto earned a 2–1 win away to VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round-of-16 tie on Thursday.
Moffi and fellow Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi both started for Porto at the MHPArena as the Portuguese side produced a disciplined display to claim an advantage ahead of the return leg.
Porto made the breakthrough after 21 minutes. A swift attacking move ended with Borja Sainz finding Moffi inside the penalty area, and the striker controlled the ball before firing a powerful effort past goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to give the visitors the lead.
Moffi. Photo Credit: Imago
The Nigerian forward nearly doubled his tally shortly afterwards, but Nübel reacted quickly to push his effort behind for a corner.
Porto extended their lead in the 27th minute through Rodrigo Mora. Sanusi played a key role in the move, intercepting a loose pass in midfield before surging forward and delivering a cross that Mora finished to make it 2–0.
Moffi. Photo Credit: Imago
Stuttgart responded before the break when Deniz Undav reduced the deficit five minutes before half-time.
Both teams continued to threaten after the restart. Sanusi came close to adding a third for Porto in the 57th minute, but his header was saved by Nübel.
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Stuttgart thought they had equalised in the 70th minute when Angelo Stiller found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Photo Credit: Imago
Moffi was substituted after 59 minutes, but his early strike proved decisive as Porto held on to secure a narrow victory.
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The Portuguese side will now look to finish the job in the second leg at the Estádio do Dragão, where they will aim to seal a place in the quarter-finals.
