Gabriel Batista’s howler gifts Porto a 1-0 victory at Santa Clara | OneFootball

Porto struggled to create chances at Estádio de São Miguel, unable to get past Santa Clara’s defence led by the impressive Sidney Lima. Their first effort came in the 17th minute when William Gomes cut inside and fired over the bar.

The Brazilian winger had looked most likely to unlock the door and tested Gabriel Batista before the break, Gabri Veiga’s follow-up effort deflected wide by Henrique Silva.

All of Santa Clara’s hard work was undone five minutes after the restart with another comedy goal for the ages. Batista’s attempt to throw the ball went horribly wrong and straight to Samu, the striker struggling to believe his luck as he stroked it into an empty net.

Brenner came off the bench and looked lively for the Ponta Delgada club who threw everything they had in search for an equaliser, but there is a reason why Vasco Matos’ side have scored only 11 goals in 16 Primeira Liga games.

Batista tipped Borja Sainz’s shot over the bar late on, the only time the goalkeeper had been seriously tested in the encounter.

The Dragons haven’t required much help in dominating the Liga this season. They accepted a big gift in the Açores, Francesco Farioli’s side going into the second half of the season seven points clear at the top of the table.