MX23RW : Monday, November 25 18:07:24| >> :120:10446:10446:
[monks data]
Napoli logo
Europa League | Round-Of-16
Mar 20, 2014 at 8.05pm UK
 
Porto

2-2

Pandev (21'), Zapata (90')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Ghilas (69'), Quaresma (76')

Porto edge past Napoli to progress

Porto draw 2-2 with Napoli to secure a 3-2 aggregate success in their Europa League last-16 tie.

Porto have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League thanks to a 2-2 draw with Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie.

The Portuguese side, who claimed a 1-0 victory in the first leg a week ago, could have doubled their advantage in the early stages of the first half but Carlos Eduardo failed to hit the target with his header from close range.

However, it was Napoli who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute as Gonzalo Higuain split the visiting defence to find Goran Pandev, who held his nerve to chip the ball over Fabiano.

Goran Pandev of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match between SSC Napoli and FC Porto at Stadio San Paolo on March 20, 2014© Getty Images

Rafael Benitez's side had good opportunities to move ahead in the tie, with Lorenzo Insigne striking an effort just wide before seeing another shot well saved by Fabiano early in the second half.

The home crowd were silenced in the 69th minute of the match when substitute Nabil Ghilas broke free of the Napoli defence to collect Fernando's pass and slot a crucial away goal past Pepe Reina.

Nabil Ghilas of FC Porto scores their first goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match between SSC Napoli and FC Porto at Stadio San Paolo on March 20, 2014© Getty Images

Porto could have made it 2-1 just moments later but Steven Defour could only hit the post after finding space inside the box.

However, the visitors didn't have to wait much longer for a second goal as Ricardo Quaresma extended their lead further by beating two defenders before firing an unstoppable shot past a helpless Reina.

Napoli refused to give up the fight and managed to level the scores on the night at 2-2 when Duvan Zapata converted a Jose Callejon cross in stoppage time but it proved to be too little, too late as Porto secured their progress in the competition.

ID:145351: cacheID:145351:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4683:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Porto's Jackson Martinez celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against Napoli during their Europa League match on March 13, 2014
Read Next:
Martinez's strike sees Porto triumph
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio440012
2Ajax431010
3Anderlecht431010
4Frankfurt431010
5Galatasaray431010
6Spurs43019
7FCSB43019
8Lyon42117
9Rangers42117
10Olympiacos42117
11Bodo/Glimt42117
12Midtjylland42117
13Ferencvaros42026
14Man Utd41306
15Plzen41306
16AZ42026
17Besiktas42026
18Hoffenheim41215
19Roma41215
20Fenerbahce41215
21Elfsborg41124
22Braga41124
23Porto41124
24Slavia Prague41124
25Real Sociedad41124
26Malmo41033
27FC Twente40313
28Qarabag41033
29Union SG40222
30Nice40222
31RFS40222
32Ludogorets40131
33PAOK40131
34Athletic Club00000
35M. Tel Aviv40040
36Dynamo Kiev40040


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!