Derlei decisive in Porto triumph

FC Porto collected a precious away first-leg UEFA Cup win against a disappointing FK Austria Wien at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna thanks to a second-half goal from Brazilian striker Derlei.

Domestic leaders
Respective leaders of their domestic leagues - the Austrian Bundesliga and the Portuguese Super Liga - it was Porto who were by far superior in a stadium where they have fond memories following their 2-1 defeat of FC Bayern München to win the  European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1987.

Flattering scoreline
Such was the Portuguese side’s dominance through crisp midfield passing and tireless closing down that the scoreline, established when Derlei tapped in compatriot Clayton’s cross on 70 minutes, was flattering to the home team.

Porto in charge
Porto were in command from the outset, though for all their possession in the first half they failed to put Wien in genuine danger. Wien’s only attack of note before the break came when Vladimír Janocko whipped in a cross on nine minutes that the Porto defence were forced to clear for a corner.

Nuno Valente shot
The visitors were particularly impressive down the right flank, where Deco, Paulo Ferreira and Clayton picked each other out effortlessly but struggled to find the telling ball that would unlock their hosts. Their best chance came when a Nuno Valente shot from a free-kick, when it looked like he would cross, forced goalkeeper Thomas Mandl to tip the ball on to the bar.

No inroads
Wien looked more lively after the break but were thwarted when they pressed as Porto defended from deep, making it difficult for the home team to create inroads. The majority of their precious few opportunities came from set-pieces, Paul Scharner firing over from a free-kick on 51 minutes.

Derlei winner
The winner was thoroughly deserved, arriving when Clayton charged clear down the right wing to loft a cross over the outstretched Mandl that Derlei tucked away after ghosting in at the far post. Soon after he almost beat the Wien custodian for a second time but on this occasion Mandl managed to block his fierce strike.