Porto win over 10-man Antwerp boosts Champions League hopes

PORTO, (Reuters): FC Porto stayed on course for a place in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-0 home victory over 10-man Royal Antwerp thanks to Evanilson’s first half penalty and veteran Pepe’s late header in the Group H clash on Tuesday.

Brazilian Evanilson, who had netted a hat-trick when Porto beat the Belgians 4-1 away in their previous Champions League clash last month, tucked away a 32nd minute penalty after a clumsy foul by Gyrano Kerk on Stephen Eustaquio.

Porto dominated the game after Antwerp midfielder Jurgen Ekkelenkamp was sent off seven minutes into the second half.

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However, despite their numerical superiority, Porto had to wait until one minute into stoppage time for their second goal, headed home by the 40-year-old Pepe.

The result sees Porto move level on nine points with leaders Barcelona, with both sides three points ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk who stunned the Catalans1-0 earlier on Tuesday.

Antwerp’s fourth successive defeat means they no chance of a top two finish, even with two matches left to play.