Nabil Ghila's late equaliser ensured FC Porto a berth for the last sixteen following a dramatic 3-3 second leg draw on the road against Frankfurt in Europa League on Thursday.

Frankfurt had already one foot in the round of last sixteen but substitute Ghila's leveller at the 86th minute destroyed all hopes as the visitors progressed owing to the away-goal rule.

The hosts started highly motivated into the game since they turned a 2-0 deficit last week to grab a 2-2 draw on the road, meanwhile the visitors from Portugal needed some time to gain a foothold into the match.

As soon as Porto established their strategy they were able to work out goal scoring opportunities that remained used by Jackson Martinez, Eliaquim Mangala and Hector Herrera.

Despite Porto's better chances it were the hosts that broke the deadlock through Stefan Aigner, who made use of Alexander Meier's header to beat custodian Helton from seven meters at the 37th minute.

After the restart both sides exchanged offensive actions but it was again the "Eagles" who had the better end when Meier capitalised on Porto's failed offside trap to poke home Tranquillo Barnetta's square pass at the 52nd minute.

Porto responded quickly as Eliaquim Mangala headed home Ricardo Quaresma's cross into the box to make it 2-1 six minutes later.

Frankfurt tried immediately to restore their two-goal lead but instead they squandered a three-on-one fast break, allowing Porto to level the scores at the 71st minute when Mangala sealed up his brace with his second header of the night.

In a dramatic closing period Frankfurt grabbed the 3-2 lead by courtesy Meier's brace six minutes later. However, Porto had the last laugh as substitute Ghila exploited a rebound at the far post to tap home the decisive 3-3 draw for the visitors.

"We are disappointed. We played a great game and were at eye level with Porto. A big compliment to my team," Frankfurt coach Armin Veh said.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)