FC Porto vs Manchester City. UEFA Champions League Group C.
Estadio do Dragao.
Match report as Gabriel Jesus has late goal ruled out by VAR after Rodri deemed offside in build-up; City's winning Champions League run comes to an end, but they keep fourth successive clean sheet in competition and secure top spot in Group C; Porto also qualify
Wednesday 2 December 2020 06:08, UK
Manchester City will finish top of Group C, but were held to their first-ever goalless draw in the Champions League group stages by Porto, who have also qualified for the last 16.
Having made seven changes from the 5-0 thrashing of Burnley on Saturday, it took a while for Man City to find their feet at the Estadio do Dragao, not having their first shot until the 37th minute when Raheem Sterling had a shot cleared off the line by Zaidu Sanusi.
They had more clear-cut chances after half-time and thought they had secured three points when Gabriel Jesus (80) poked home from yet another Agustin Marchesin save late on, but VAR ruled the goal out for a Rodri offside in the build-up.
It is the second time Man City have failed to score this season - having also been held by Tottenham just over a week ago - but they did keep a fourth successive Champions League clean sheet and maintain their unbeaten European run.
A point suited both teams on the night too with Pep Guardiola's side securing top spot in Group C ahead of the final games next Wednesday, while Porto have also guaranteed their place in the knockout round.
It was a first half that will not live long in the memory. There were only four shots between the two sides in the opening period and it was a classic situation for Man City, dominating possession with Porto sitting deep, waiting for the counter.
But it was actually City who could have scored on the break in the 22nd minute. Porto went close at one end, with Ederson scooping away a flick header from Diogo Leite, before Fernandinho set City away in a wonderful team move. Phil Foden's eventual pass for Ferran Torres was wonderful, but Marchesin was out to deny the latter with an outstretched foot.
Sterling went closest for Man City in the final 15 minutes of the half. Marchesin cleared a Bernardo Silva rabona pass towards him, but Sterling could not get the ball under control. Then, some sensational defending from Chelsea loanee Malang Sarr saw him dink the ball from Sterling's path with a poke toe from behind, with the forward looking to be through on goal.
The England international finally had the first shot of the half in the 37th minute. Man City recycled a cleared corner with Sterling chasing the ball down on the left flank. He darted past Otavio Monteiro before sending a low strike through a packed area, but his effort was booted off the line by the waiting Sanusi.
It was a similar story in the second half, but Man City had more clear-cut openings. Both Sterling and Torres went close in the 58th minute, and it all started with a visionary pass from Foden to pick out Sterling's run. However, Marchesin came racing off his line to smother the latter's effort before the loose ball fell to Torres. However, he dallied over it and Wilson Manafa came in to nick the ball away from his path.
It again took some incredible luck and goalkeeping from Marchesin to keep Man City out shortly after. Fernandinho whipped a ball across the face of goal, with Sterling waiting to hook it on. Ruben Dias was on the goal-line, but could only send it backwards as the waiting Torres' overhead shot went straight at the goalkeeper, who pushed it away at point-blank range.
Marchesin was again Porto's saviour as the clock ticked past the 75-minute mark. Silva put in some superb work on the right flank, leaving Sanusi on the floor before cutting into the area, but his shot went straight at the goalkeeper. Not long after, Garcia tried his luck but again, Marchesin stopped him from close range.
Man City thought they had nicked the win on the 80-minute mark. Silva floated a wonderful cross into the area, which Jesus nodded goalwards. However, Marchesin pushed it onto the crossbar and it bounced over the right side of the line for the goalkeeper. But the City striker was lurking to bundle the ball home past Marchesin's outstretched hand.
However, VAR intervened with a review and noticed that Rodri - who had supplied Silva before his cross - was offside when he received the ball and the goal was ruled out.
Man City continued to push for another goal in some frantic final minutes, but a point was ultimately enough for them on the night.
It takes a lot to stop Man City from scoring, but Marchesin had the performance of his life on Tuesday to do just that. He made save after save as Guardiola's side hunted for goals, timing his bursts off the line to perfection at certain points.
He was particularly impressive from point-blank range, denying Torres and Garcia late on, and made a total of five saves overall. Was there a little bit of luck in Porto's draw? Undoubtedly, but Marchesin was a very close second as he helped steer Porto into the last 16.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola said: "Incredible congratulations to the team for this group stage... We played incredibly well. We didn't concede one corner or one shot on target in Europe away against Porto, who alongside Benfica, are the best team in Portugal with an incredibly physical team.
"Unfortunately we couldn't score, but we created chances with set-pieces and actions and all the players were fantastic, starting with Edie (Ederson) and finishing with Phil.
"We came here to finish first, we played for a win [against Porto], we deserved to win but in football, deserved or not deserved are just fake words. At the end, the results dictate everything but we played to win the game.
"The shots, maybe not all on target, but we were there all the time. It's difficult with eight or nine players defending in the box, defending crosses and everything. Against Marseille, we can play with different ways or different people or whatever, which is good for us. Now we can focus 100 per cent in the Premier League."
Porto manager Sergio Conceicao said: "We achieved qualification with an impressive series of games on our part.
"It is our 16th time in the round of 16, more than double that of all other Portuguese teams. We carry the name of Portugal in Europe very high.
"We showed good moments of defensive organisation tonight, although it was difficult to get up front as we wanted - much because of City, who react well when they lose the ball."
Paul Dickov told Soccer Special: "Porto were stubborn defensively and City didn't create much until Gabriel Jesus came on. Marchesin made four or five great saves too. But it's job done for City - they can rest a few players against Marseille with an eye on that Manchester derby."
Man City will next be in action on Saturday when they welcome Fulham in the Premier League; kick-off 3pm. They play at home again next Wednesday when they welcome Marseille in their final Champions League group game; kick-off 8pm.
Porto will host Tondela in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Saturday evening before travelling to Olympiakos next week; kick-off 8pm.
