Viktoria Plzen 1-1 Porto - Deniz Gül equalises late on in the Europa League | OneFootball

Porto secured a hard earned 1-1 draw against Viktoria Plzen in an entertaining Europa League clash in Czechia.

Borja Sainz saw an early shot tipped wide but the hosts struck the first blow in the 6th minute. Two failed clearance resulted in Lukás Cerv driving forward and unleashing a swerving shot that sailed past Diogo Costa.

The Dragons had a great chance to equalise when Willam Gomes’ pass took a deflection that sent Sainz through on goal, the Spaniard hitting a tame shot straight at Florian Wiegele.

Amar Memic narrowly missed the top corner before Prince Adu replaced an injured Christophe Kabongo and sent a shot wide.

Porto were given a glorious opportunity on the stroke of half time when Jakub Kiwior headed Rodrigo Mora’s corner towards goal, Matej Vydra handling the ball onto the post and away from danger.

Numerous protests from Porto players were followed by a VAR intervention and referee Andris Treimanis watching replays on the touchline. He awarded a penalty and showed the Plzen captain a straight red card.

Samu Aghehowa stepped up to the spot and sent the ball wide, his second miss from the penalty  spot in the space of five days following his bar rattler in the 1-1 draw in Guimarães.

There was only one way the hosts would approach the second half and so it proved, Francesco Farioli introducing Pepê for Sainz at the break. He brought on Francisco Moura and Gabri Veiga for Alberto Costa and Mora in the 56th minute.

Pablo Rosario fired wide but Porto were not testing Wiegele. Alan Varela and Deniz Gül replaced Martim Fernandes and William Gomes with 20 minutes remaining.

Samu headed straight at Wiegele and Gül tested the goalkeeper from a tight angle as Porto’s frustration spilled off the pitch. Director Henrique Monteiro, following in the footsteps of Luís Gonçalves, was sent off for obnoxious behaviour towards the officials.

It was looking like the Dragons would return to Portugal empty handed before the equaliser came in the 90th minute. Kiwior got the ball into Gül who used his strength to spin past Cerv and smash the ball into the net.

No surprises in Czechia

Viktoria Plzen came into the clash undefeated in the Europa League where they had conceded just two goals in six matches. They were always going to be hard to break down following Lukás Cerv’s early goal.

Samu was spooked by Florian Wiegele who didn’t move until the striker was ready to hit the ball. Normally rock solid from the penalty spot, Samu needs a goal to put the missed opportunities behind him.

Francesco Farioli and his side will be watching the Roma vs Stuttgart clash with extra interest, a winner in Italy would see Porto slip out of the top eight before hosting Rangers on the final matchday.