Alex Sandro counts Porto's blessings
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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Victory and a clean sheet were paramount as Alex Sandro pondered FC Porto's 1-0 win against Málaga CF, Danilo adding: "We don't have any doubts about what we're capable of."
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It was business as usual at the Estádio do Dragão as FC Porto continued their 100% home record in the UEFA Champions League this season with a 1-0 win against Málaga CF – and maintained the ring of modest confidence that is making them a genuine contender for the latter stages of the competition. The influential Alex Sandro refused to worry too much about his side not quite taking full advantage of their domination, while his fellow full-back Danilo insisted Porto have the "special players" to bend this round of 16 tie their way.
Alex Sandro, Porto defender
The victory is the most important thing – never mind the exact score. It was important to get something, to win the game at home, not to concede goals, and to go into the next game even more confidently. It was very difficult, but we prepared for that. It's going to be even more difficult there, because they're going to attack more, but we'll work hard to be ready for it. It's not just me [playing well] – the whole team has a good understanding and we'll keep it going to win more and more games.
Danilo, Porto defender
We don't have any doubts about what we're capable of. It was a great performance which allowed us to get the victory and take an advantage into the second leg, which is a really important game. Now we have to rest and get our heads right because nothing is decided yet, but we've taken a big step tonight.
We deserved to get a few more goals. They defended well, but the most important thing was to win and now we're thinking about the game there. We have to be prepared to defend well, and we have special players who can change the game.
Jackson Martínez, Porto forward
We wanted to put in a great performance, and we managed to, both defensively and in attack. We knew we were facing a strong team, who wanted to attack and try to score the equaliser.
Málaga played good football, they didn't come here to sit back and get a draw. They wanted to attack, but we were very strong in defence today. And we are happy with João [Moutinho]'s goal. It will be very different [in Spain] and that game will decide which team gets through and gets the opportunity to play the next round.
