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Lucho relief after fuelling Porto's winning start

FC Porto scorer Lucho González felt his side deserved their 1-0 victory after a tough night at FK Austria Wien, whose keeper Heinz Lindner took confidence from the hosts' showing.

Daniel Royer and Josué battle for supremacy in Vienna
Daniel Royer and Josué battle for supremacy in Vienna ©Getty Images

FC Porto midfielder Lucho González told UEFA.com an improved second-half showing was key to the Portuguese title holders kicking off UEFA Champions League Group G with a 1-0 win against FK Austria Wien.

With the Dragons having been held at arm's length by their combative hosts before the break in Vienna, their frustrations were eased by their captain, who scored the only goal ten minutes after the restart. While Paulo Fonseca's men were unable to increase their advantage, Lucho felt the result was "deserved". Meanwhile, home striker Philipp Hosiner and goalkeeper Heinz Lindner agreed that their team's spirited display at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion augured well, though the duo also targeted improvements in the remaining five group matches.

Lucho González, Porto midfielder
It is always important to start a competition like this with a victory. It was a good game from us, particularly the second half, and I am happy. We know that in the Champions League there are no easy teams – that you have to remain focused for 90 minutes and work hard all game. We did that, particularly in the second half, and the victory was deserved.

Our objective, even though we knew it was going to be a tough game, was to take the three points. I am delighted we did that. The important thing is for the team to be thinking only about winning. We play Atlético at home next. We know it is important to win when you are at home, though it will be a tough game.

Philipp Hosiner, Austria Wien forward
Of course, we are disappointed, but we showed we can compete with these teams. We expected a tough game and you cannot give Porto any space. Unfortunately, though, we were unlucky in front of goal – we had several good chances. If the ball had gone in, I don't know how the game would have ended, but if we put in the same effort and fighting spirit then we will get some points in the coming games. We were really motivated in front of this crowd. It was a special experience. We hope we can give our fans some presents in the form of goals in future matches. That will be our mission.

Heinz Lindner, Austria Wien goalkeeper
I have to compliment my team. We were able to compete with Porto. We did not give them many chances – exactly as we had planned. At the other end of the pitch, though, we did not score. We were surprised we had so many chances. However, Porto were more clinical and that was the difference between the teams. We even had more opportunities than they did, so there are mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is good to know we are able to compete at this level. On the other hand, I am disappointed we lost the game. We deserved a draw.

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