Porto beat Napoli 4-1 for first Champions League points
Porto earned their first points of the Champions League league phase with a 4-1 home win over Napoli. Scott McTominay had cancelled out Jan Bednarek’s opener, but Gabriel Veiga restored the Portuguese side’s lead. Jakub Kiwior and Samu then added goals as Napoli finished the match with defender Rafa Marín sent off.
Sports··Morning
Porto win after a level first half
Porto beat Napoli 4-1 at home to earn their first points of the Champions League league phase. The Portuguese club had lost their opening three matches. A first-half exchange of goals left the contest level at the interval, before Porto scored three more times after the break to secure their first victory in this season’s competition.[1], [2]
Jan Bednarek put Porto ahead in the 11th minute, but Scott McTominay equalised before half-time. Gabriel Veiga restored the lead in the 71st minute. Jakub Kiwior then headed in from a corner for his first Champions League goal. Samu converted a late penalty after Napoli defender Rafa Marín was dismissed for the foul that conceded it.[1]
Veiga and Farioli describe set-piece work
Veiga was named Player of the Match by the technical observers of UEFA, European football’s governing body. They highlighted his goal and assist, his control of the game and his part in creating Porto’s best attacks. The midfielder said the squad prepared set pieces through video sessions, discussions and repeated practice, and that the details had worked in this match.[1]
Porto coach Francesco Farioli said the team began strongly and had opportunities to add a second goal earlier. He felt they dropped off late in the first half and paid for it against a high-quality opponent. Farioli praised the chances created after the interval and said the staff and players devoted considerable attention to deliveries and headers in training.[1]
Napoli discuss injuries and marking
Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri said marking changes had affected the goals conceded from corners. On the first, players switched positions; for the second, Napoli marked the earlier scorer man-to-man, but Porto changed their movements. Captain Matteo Politano said Napoli lost their edge at 2-1, while McTominay described the strain of competing with a reduced squad with injuries.[1]
The result ended Porto’s four-match losing sequence in UEFA competitions and a six-match winless run against Italian opponents. Napoli had won their first five Champions League meetings with Portuguese clubs, but have now lost the most recent two. Porto captain Diogo Costa said his team had stayed patient in possession and recovered its aggressive approach to pressing high up the pitch.[1]
