FC Porto eye direct Europa League last-16 spot as win could open the door

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·23 January 2026

FC Porto eye direct Europa League last-16 spot as win could open the door

FC Porto head into the final round with excellent prospects of direct Europa League last-16 qualification, O Jogo reports.

They drew 1-1 at Viktoria Plzen, with Deniz Gul on target. Porto sit ninth on 14 points, level with eighth-placed Betis.

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Betis remain ahead by one more goal scored, 11-6 against 10-6. Lyon and Aston Villa are already through on 18 points.

Behind them come Freiburg on 17, Midtjylland and Braga on 16, then Roma and Ferencváros on 15. Farioli’s side host Rangers in the final round next Thursday, and Rangers are already eliminated on 4 points.

A win would offer excellent prospects of overtaking at least one of the sides above who remain in the fight. For Braga, victory away to Go Ahead Eagles would be enough to secure qualification, and like Porto, the play-off is already guaranteed.

Source: O Jogo