By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Nigerian striker Terem Moffi scored the opening goal as FC Porto defeated VfB Stuttgart 2–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash on Thursday.
Moffi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, combining with Borja Sainz in a quick one-two before rifling a shot into the corner to give the Portuguese side an early advantage.
Porto doubled their lead just six minutes later when 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora volleyed home from a cross delivered by fellow Nigerian international Zaidu Sanusi, putting the visitors firmly in control of the tie.
The German side responded before halftime as Deniz Undav pulled one back in the 40th minute with a well-taken half-volley after capitalizing on a deflected pass inside the penalty area.
Stuttgart pushed for an equaliser after the break and thought they had levelled the match midway through the second half, but a goal from Angelo Stiller was ruled out for offside following a video review.
Despite late pressure from the Bundesliga side, Porto held firm to secure a narrow first-leg advantage ahead of the return fixture in Portugal.
The result puts Porto in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, while Stuttgart will need a positive result in the second leg to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive.