Even though they showed signs of dominance against hosts Basel, FC Porto's night was heading to a disastrous end after Derlis Gonzalez's early goal, but Danilo scored a penalty kick for The Dragons to keep the thrills in store for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League matchup.
Basel started the game with a bang, leaving no chance for Porto to leave their side of the pitch. Paraguayan striker Derlis Gonzalez made it 1-0 for the hosts, taking full advantage of his quick feet. But not everything would go as planned for the South American player, who had to leave the pitch after coming down with an injury. After the go-ahead goal, Porto dominated the game's possesion, but Jackson Martinez and Mexican Hector Herrera were not accurate enough to equalize for the Portuguese side. Gonzalez became the first Paraguayan since Roque Santa Cruz to score in a Champions League knockout-stage game.
"Scores a goal against tough Porto, leaves the pitch injured ten minutes later"
Bad Luck Derlis González http://t.co/YFWUabnusA pic.twitter.com/5K9WU9n6wV
— memedeportes (@memedeportes) February 18, 2015
"Derlis Gonzalez, seven games and three UCL goals."
Derlis González: 7 partidos y 3 goles en UCL. pic.twitter.com/wuB1buFBxD
— UEFA Cups (@UEFASphera) February 18, 2015
After the break, Porto battled hard to get the equalizer, and pulled it off thanks to Casemiro. But referee Mark Clattenburg disallowed the goal after a two-minute deliberation with his assistants.
Casemiro, arguably Porto's poorest performer on the night, thinks he has equalised. Disallowed for offside, GK impeded interfering/active
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) February 18, 2015
Porto relentlessly cornered Basel until Walter Samuel, who was already booked, handballed inside the box, giving away a penalty for The Dragons. Right back Danilo did not waste the chance and made it 1-1 with ten minutes to go.
Quaresma forces the penalty, Danilo bangs it home. My question: Why did Samuel not get his 2nd yellow?
— Portista (@FCPortoWorld) February 18, 2015
Right back Danilo and left back Marcelo both score at the same time. These are exactly the 2 fullbacks I'd like to see at Copa América.
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) February 18, 2015
Porto equalise through Danilo. Well-deserved goal.
— Sergi Domínguez (@FutbolSergi) February 18, 2015
With the game's final outcome, Basel will have to win their match at Estadio Do Dragao in order to make it to the Quarterfinlas. Although the Swiss may have a chance of going through to the next stage if they can draw against Porto scoring more than one goal.
