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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Player Ratings: Porto 0-1 Manchester United


Man Utd became the first ever English side to win at the Estadio Do Dragao on Wednesday evening, securing a 1-0 victory to book a Champions League semi-final berth.


Porto

Helton 6 - The 'keeper made a couple of good point-blank stops, but he lacked concentration at other times and was immune to gathering at the first attempt. Was never tested as he might have been, although he made a crucial save from Ronaldo late on.

Sapunaru 6 - Had a decent first half, punctuated by one fierce drive at goal. Won a key header to deny Giggs, but replaced by Tomas Costa late on.

Rolando 6 - Almost caught out Van der Sar with a header as Porto tried to rally. Defensively, he made a couple of key interceptions.

Alves 8 - Solid enough at the back during the opening period, but sent a free-kick and a header wide at the other end. Continued to get better after the break, however, dominating his airspace at the back. Was thrown further upfield far too late.

Cissokho 7.5 - The highly-rated left-back was strong as United started well, and positive as Porto started to make headway. Perhaps just edged on-off personal battle with Ronaldo, but left it a tad late to start really getting forward.

Lucho Gonzalez 6 - Stretchered off to be replaced by Mariano after half-an-hour. It was a massive blow for the hosts.

Fernando 6.5 - The midfielder ate up space and put in a good, undistinguished shift.

Meireles 7 - Decent at either end early on, he tracked back well to halt Rooney on a couple of occasions and whipped in a good free-kick which found the head of Alves. Covered a ridiculous amount of ground, more than anyone else on the park, but did a lot of complaining throughout.

Lopez 6.5 - A key part of Porto's attacking game after their slow start, he was involved in most of their creative play and went close with an acrobatic effort. Resorted to professional fouls during the second half, and spurned a great opportunity at the death.

Hulk 5.5 - His movement was good, as expected, but he failed to control through-balls on a couple of occasions. Fired a free-kick on target just before the hour mark, but was generally very wasteful.

Rodriguez 5.5 - Keen to get the ball forward, but his passing was wayward at times. Displayed a good turn of pace, but was hooked for Farias after 64 minutes.

Subs: Mariano scored the leveller at Old Trafford, and was busy again, going close with a header and producing a good cross for Lopez. Farias wasted a chance late on and Tomas Costa did not really make much of an impact.




Manchester United

Van der Sar 6 - The veteran had a great first half, looking very confident. However, he was suddenly all over the place as the game reached its conclusion.

O'Shea 6 - The Irishman covered lot of ground and set up Vidic, who should have scored. Quiet but effective during the second period.

Ferdinand 7 - Cleared fit to play at the last minute and, although he's clearly not 100 per cent and had to rely on Vidic or O'Shea at times, he was cool and composed generally.

Vidic 7 - The stopper was the first in the book, catching Lopez, and it got worse when he somehow missed the target from three yards before half-time. He improved after the break through and was usually in just the right position to snuff out any blossoming threat.

Evra 5 - Had something of a mare at left-back. Booked early in the second half and given the run-around by Mariano.

Anderson 6.5 - A key man early on, tackling well and retaining the ball. Replaced by Scholes, though, as Ferguson sought experience.

Carrick 7 - Was hobbling at one point, but recovered to put in a lot of running. Alongside Anderson and then Scholes he was part of a midfield unit which really limited the Portuguese.

Giggs 8.5 - Had a fine effort well held by Helton during the first half. Had to track back more after the break, though, as Evra continued to struggle. Wherever he went, though, he oozed class.

Ronaldo 7.5 - Scored an early 35-yard screamer which was just what the doctor ordered. Explosive in bursts, popping up in different positions. Went close on another couple of occasions and had a reasonably simple and effective game.

Berbatov 6.5 - The usually laconic Bulgarian was in the mood in Portugal, putting himself about uncharacteristically. However, he faded badly and was hooked for Nani.

Rooney 8 - Started on the right, for a change, and worked hard as you'd expect. Despite walking the yellow card tightrope, he was always in and around the action, attempting a couple of decent efforts.

Subs: Nani was borderline dreadful when he came on, but Scholes was a welcome addition as United endured a nervy last few minutes.

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