Porto left it late to down Red Bull Salzburg on the opening night of the new UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign.
In a first-ever meeting between these two sides, both of which competed at the Club World Cup this summer, it was Porto who almost got off to a stunning start after just three minutes, but Borja Sainz’s thunderous half-volley crashed off the crossbar.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Petar Ratkov rounded Diogo Costa, only for Arsenal loanee Jakub Kiwior to clear off the line in an enthralling opening quarter-hour.
On 21 minutes, the Polish international had the ball in the Salzburg net, but referee Vassilis Fotias was wise to a blatant handball by Samu Agehowa in the build-up, and thus ruled the goal out.
On balance, the first half was evenly contested with both sides creating good chances, and Salzburg captain Mads Bidstrup tested Costa after robbing Sainz on the edge of the box.
However, it was the Dragoes who finished the half on top, with both Victor Froholdt and Gabri Veiga coming close, but ultimately, an entertaining first half finished goalless.
Ten minutes after the break, the home support were sent into raptures as Ratkov finished on the rebound after Moussa Yeo’s shot was stopped. However, the VAR officials brought it back for an offside against the Mali international, and it was the hosts’ turn to have a goal disallowed.
Having had several first-half chances, Francesco Farioli’s charges were blunt after the restart, as they looked to make it seven wins in a row to begin the season.
Salzburg spurned a glorious chance with just over 10 minutes remaining, as a defence-splitting pass put Yorbe Vertessen through on goal, but with Costa closing him down, he slid his effort wide of the post.
They were made to pay for that deep into stoppage time as substitute Gomes curled a low effort inside the post that Alexander Schager should have done better with, but Porto won’t care as their perfect start to the season continues.
Meanwhile, Thomas Letsch’s men are now winless in four.
Flashscore Man of the Match: William Gomes (Porto)