Samu Aghehowa’s first-half double propelled Porto to a narrow 2-1 victory against Sweden’s Malmo FF in the UEFA Europa League, preserving the Portuguese side’s perfect home record in the group stage, while leaving the Allsvenskan outfit still searching for a win.
Porto, clear favourites going into the clash at Estadio do Dragao, started strongly. Martim Fernandes tested Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen early, signaling a busy first half for the Swedish shot-stopper.
Malmo’s Jakub Kiwior nearly gifted Porto an opening through a loose pass from a goal-kick, but he quickly redeemed himself with a crucial block on Salifou Soumah’s follow-up attempt.
Despite the scare, Porto immediately returned to the attack, keeping Olsen busy with efforts from Victor Froholdt, Borja Sainz, and Samu in quick succession.
It was only a matter of time before Porto broke through. Rodrigo Mora played a clever pass to Samu, who met it with a header to open the scoring.
Samu didn’t stop there, soon doubling his tally with a composed finish after Sainz nodded a cross back across goal, taking his season total to 13 goals in 20 matches.
After the break, Porto retained possession but lost some of the first-half intensity, and chances became scarce. Malmo’s William Gomes registered the first shot on target in the 78th minute, which Olsen comfortably saved.
The Swedish side continued to press late, forcing the former Aston Villa goalkeeper to make further stops from Froholdt and Deniz Gul headers.
Porto’s win was slightly marred by a late own goal from Francisco Moura, who accidentally deflected the ball into his net after it rebounded off the post.
Nevertheless, the three points keep Porto in the top eight of their group, while Malmo remain bottom with just a single point from four matches, six points behind the qualification spots with two games remaining.
