UEFA Europa League League Stage - 1
Red Bull Salzburg 0 - 1 FT FC Porto
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
HT
↓ Pepê ↑William Gomes 53'
↓ Zaidu ↑M. Fernandes 53'
↓ G. Veiga ↑F. Moura 53'
58' Petar Ratkov
65' ↓ E. Baidoo ↑S. Kitano
65' ↓ M. K. Yeo ↑K. Onisiwo
65' ↓ P. Ratkov ↑Y. Vertessen
65' ↓ K. Alajbegovic ↑M. Kjaergaard
↓ A. Varela ↑R. Mora 66'
↓ Samu ↑D. Gul 77'
80' Jacob Rasmussen
86' Yorbe Vertessen
William Gomes (M. Fernandes) 90'
90'+2 ↓ M. Bidstrup ↑L. Gourna-Douath
William Gomes 90'+3
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Red Bull Salzburg
Goalkeepers
A. Schlager 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
S. Lainer 
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
J. Gadou
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Rasmussen 
SHIELD
3
Blocks
3
Blocks
0
Interceptions
0
Tackles
A. Terzic
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
M. Bidstrup
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
S. Diabate 
ENFORCER
5
Tackles
5
Tackles
6
Duels Won
75%
Win %
M. K. Yeo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
65
Total Mins
65
Entry
K. Alajbegovic 
DRIBBLER
5
Dribbles
5
Dribbles
5
Attempts
100%
Success %
BENCH
C. Zawieschitzky 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
S. Hamzic
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
F. Kratzig
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Zikovic
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Kjaergaard
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Diambou
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Gourna-Douath
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
1
Total Mins
Started
Entry
T. Trummer
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Kitano
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Onisiwo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Vertessen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
25
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Aguilar
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
FC Porto
Goalkeepers
D. Costa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
P. Rosario
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Bednarek 
MAGNET
93
Activity
93
Activity
87
Passes
6
Duels
J. Kiwior 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
100%
Duel Win %
Zaidu
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
53
Total Mins
53
Entry
Midfielders
V. Froholdt
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Varela
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
66
Entry
G. Veiga
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
BENCH
Claudio Ramos
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Costa
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
A. Costa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Prpic
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Fernandes 
SUPER SUB
1
Assist
1
Assist
37
Minutes
6.6
Rating
G. Bras
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
F. Moura
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
37
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Mora
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
24
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Teixeira
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
William Gomes 
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.2
Rating
D. Gul
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Alarcon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
League Standings
League Standings
P: 8 GD: +13
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +10
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +5
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +2
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -3
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -7
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -5
P: 8 GD: -9
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -10
P: 8 GD: -11
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Late Substitute Magic Shatters Salzburg's Resistance
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 49/100. Porto's 90th-minute strike proves the difference in a grueling tactical battle defined by VAR controversy and defensive heroics.
Opening Act
At the Red Bull Arena, both sides traded blows in a fascinating clash that showcased immense Intensity from the opening whistle. FC Porto controlled possession with 57 percent of the ball, dictating the tempo, yet Red Bull Salzburg refused to fold easily. The hosts absorbed the pressure intelligently and looked to strike swiftly on the counter-attack, firing 14 shots compared to Porto's 15 in a match that generated an impressive 29 total attempts. Despite the barrage of efforts, the final third lacked a clinical edge early on, with only six combined efforts seriously testing the goalkeepers. The Balance of the tie hung on a knife-edge, as both defensive units stood absolutely firm to deny any early breakthroughs, setting the stage for a tight, error-free European encounter.
The Pivot
The match truly ignited in the 58th minute when Salzburg thought they had struck gold in front of their supporters. Petar Ratkov found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into raptures, but the celebrations were abruptly silenced. VAR intervened decisively to cancel the goal, completely shifting the momentum and raising the Stakes for the remainder of the contest. Sensing a vulnerability, Porto's manager turned to the bench in a masterstroke of game management. Substitutes William Gomes and M. Fernandes had entered the fray just minutes earlier, injecting a lethal dose of attacking pace and creativity. The visitors ratcheted up their corner pressure, forcing eight set-pieces of their own to suffocate the Austrian side deep in their own half.
Resolution
Just as the fixture seemed destined for a frustrating stalemate, Porto delivered the ultimate sucker punch to the hosts. In the 90th minute, Fernandes perfectly set up Gomes, who fired home the dramatic late winner, averting any chance of an Upset in Austria. This crucial 1-0 away victory solidifies Porto's grip on the promotion playoff spots, keeping them comfortably in fifth place with 17 points and well within striking distance of the European elite. The tactical defensive masterclass from Jakub Kiwior anchored the Portuguese giants beautifully, rightfully earning him Man of the Match honors for his leadership. Meanwhile, Salzburg remains stranded in a disappointing 31st place, left to rue what could have been if VAR had ruled differently in the second half.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
VAR overturned a 58th-minute goal by Petar Ratkov, denying Salzburg the lead and shifting momentum back to FC Porto.
What made Jakub Kiwior the Man of the Match?
Kiwior anchored FC Porto's defense brilliantly, keeping a crucial clean sheet under intense pressure to earn his elite rating.
How dramatic was the late winner by Jakub Kiwior?
While Kiwior was exceptional in defense, the dramatic 90th-minute winning goal for FC Porto was actually scored by substitute William Gomes.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Porto Aim to Exploit Salzburg's Early Struggles
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 11/100. A low Stakes rating strips away immediate knockout drama, but Porto's sheer quality makes them heavy favourites to pile misery onto their Austrian hosts.
The Setup
The mission is clear at the Red Bull Arena on September 25, 2025: survive and advance. The Europa League format demands early consistency, and FC Porto are delivering just that. Sitting comfortably in fifth place with 17 points, the Portuguese side are firmly hunting a top-eight direct qualification spot. Meanwhile, Red Bull Salzburg are languishing in 31st place with a dismal six points. A poor Form rating highlights the hosts' nightmare start, suffering six defeats in eight games. Despite a modest Stars rating overall, the visitors boast game-changers like Samu, Diogo Costa, and Rodrigo Mora. The home side will rely heavily on N. Dorgeles and O. Gloukh to spark a much-needed revival, though a low Balance rating suggests a one-sided affair.
Key Battle
The contest will be decided between Salzburg's fragile defensive block and Porto's relentless attacking unit. The Austrian side must plug gaps in transition, or the visitors will ruthlessly exploit the wide channels.
Our Prediction
Porto will dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the first whistle. Expect a clinical 2-0 victory for the away side, pushing Salzburg closer to an early European exit.