Barcelona vs FC Porto
Don’t miss the full replay and highlights of the Barcelona vs Porto showdown. The game kicks off at 20:00 (GMT) on the 28th of November, 2023. The referee for this intense match is none other than D. Orsato. The electrifying game took place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This is a thrilling match in the Europe – UEFA Champions League, Group H, Season 2023/2024. Get ready for a night of unforgettable football action!
Barcelona vs Porto Full Match Reports
Barcelona secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League last 16 for the first time in three seasons with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Porto at the Estadio Olimpico.
Xavi’s squad aimed to break free from a recent dip in form, but the early stages hinted at adversity after Diogo Costa saved Raphinha’s attempt. The tide turned against the Blaugrana as Porto emerged as the more menacing side. Following Mehdi Taremi’s disallowed goal for offside, the visitors struck first. Stand-in Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña thwarted Galeno’s initial shot, but Pepê pounced on the rebound, unleashing a powerful strike to stun the Estadio Olimpico.
Facing urgency, Barcelona found a swift response as wing-back João Cancelo, surging in from the left, expertly curled the ball into the far corner within two minutes. The match intensified, with João Félix and Raphinha missing golden opportunities for the hosts before halftime, while Peña made a notable save to deny Alan Varela.
Barcelona signaled intent immediately after the break, with Félix rattling the bar in the opening minute. After two near misses, the Portuguese international finally hit the mark, sliding home from Cancelo’s assist as the hour mark approached, propelling the hosts into the lead.
Sérgio Conceição’s side had no response to Barcelona’s resurgence, and the hosts could have extended their lead if Raphinha, Cancelo, or Ferran Torres had displayed clinical finishing. Porto lost much of their attacking threat, failing to secure a spot in the last 16. However, Barcelona booked their place, securing a ninth home win out of 10 this season, with the last six victories all decided by a single-goal margin.
Man of the Match: João Cancelo (Barcelona).