FC Porto secured a 2-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the first leg of their Europa League round‑of‑16 tie, giving the Portuguese side a solid advantage heading into the return match in Portugal.
Stuttgart started the game with a vigorous performance, controlling the early stages of the match. However, the visitors did not immediately threaten Porto’s goal, and the Portuguese team only found their rhythm after about twenty minutes, soon capitalising on the momentum.
In the 21st minute, Terem Moffi gave Porto the lead. Just a few minutes later, Rodrigo Mora stretched the advantage for the hosts when he converted a short‑range cross from Zaidu Sanusi, making it 0‑2. The German side reacted before the break: Deniz Undav slotted in a penalty‑area rebound in the 40th minute, bringing Stuttgart close at 1‑2.
After the half‑time interval, Stuttgart dominated possession and pushed for an equaliser, while Porto defended compactly and relied on counter‑attacks. A 2‑2 claim from Angelo Stiller in the 72nd minute was overturned by VAR as the ball was deemed offside. In the final minutes, the hosts pressed further but found no gaps in Porto’s well‑organised defence.
The match finished 2‑1 in favour of Porto, leaving Stuttgart to chase the tie in the away leg if they hope to reach the quarter‑finals.
