MEHDI TAREMI Lazio

Eurosport - Porto drew 2-2 with Lazio in Rome on Thursday but progressed to the Last 16 of the Europa League on aggregate 4-3 thanks to a 2-1 win in the first leg.

It was a happy return to the Eternal City for the former Lazio player and current Porto coach Sergio Conceicao, whose side looked a constant threat on the break through Mehdi Taremi, Toni Martinez and Otavio.

Ciro Immobile returned from a spell on the sidelines to put Lazio ahead with a thunderous low drive in the 19th minute.

Mehdi Taremi equalised for Porto from the penalty spot 15 minutes before the interval, after VAR overturned a challenge on the Iranian striker from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
An intriguing end-to-end game provided a host of opportunities for both sides as they looked to avoid a premature exit from European football.

Mateus Uribe struck a 68th minute close-range goal to put the away team in front but they had an anxious wait after substitute Danilo Cataldi made the score 2-2 on the night. .

But Lazio couldn't find a third goal to send it to extra-time and it is Porto who go through.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MEHDI TAREMI
The Iranian international striker delivered a fantastic performance to help Porto advance to the Europa League Round of 16. Taremi - Porto's top scorer this season - was a constant menace for a Lazio back line that struggled to keep him under wraps and his involvement in both goals was a reflection of the excellent season he's currently having.

 

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