Joao Cancelo scores an outrageous equalizer against Porto in the Champions League
Joao Cancelo's MOTM dedication gave Barcelona a crucial victory.
FC Barcelona has been battling FC Porto and FC Shakhtar Donetsk for the top spot in their Champions League group. Following Shakhtar’s earlier victory over Antwerp, the three teams were all level on points. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Porto were at odds. Barca conceded in the 30th minute at home as Pepe scored off a rebound. But Joao Cancelo’s ‘outrageous’ equalizer only two minutes later kept the team in the contest.
The ball was sent to the Portuguese left-back high up the pitch. As soon as he had the ball, he cut inside to the box, easily beating Joao Mario, and hammered the ball precisely into the bottom left corner, with the Porto goalie, Diogo Costa, not coming anywhere near him.
Joao Cancelo has been unstoppable since joining the Catalans on loan from Manchester City. Cancelo has a G/A of 5 in 16 games for Xavi’s team in all competitions. He also demonstrated this in the game against Porto, where he contributed to the team’s second goal.
In the 57th minute, Joao Felix scored Barcelona’s second goal, putting them ahead and bringing them one step closer to a fourth Champions League title. It was a beautiful combo play by both of the team’s Joaos. With this aim, they may complete UCL game week 5 with a 3-point lead at the top of their group.
Also read: “NORWAY MACHINE” – Erling Haaland becomes the first person to score 40 UCL goals
Barcelona are in the Round of 16 of the Champions League
Barcelona has not had a fantastic run in the Champions League in the last several seasons. They were blasted 8-2 in the Quarter-Finals by Bayern Munich in 2019/20, failed to reach the quarter-finals in 2020/21, and failed to make it out of the group stages in the following two seasons, being relegated to the Europa League, which they failed to win.
Barcelona’s win over Porto has moved them to the top of the group, but their qualification has yet to be guaranteed. Because Antwerp failed to win a single match, Porto and Shakhtar are tied on points with 9 apiece, while Barcelona has 12.
Barcelona has qualified for the Round of 16, returning to the UCL knockout stages after a two-year absence. Even if they lose against Royal Antwerp, they will still qualify because neither Shakhtar nor Porto can overtake them in the following UCL game week.
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