FC Porto started Europa League in the best possible way, beating Young Boys (2-1), at Estádio do Dragão, for matchday one of Group G. Soares (8m and 29m) was the scorer of the goals in the team led by Sérgio Conceição, who now has three points, just as Glasgow Rangers. The second round holds a trip to the Netherlands, where the Dragons will face Feyenoord (October 3, 17h55).

Only eight minutes had passed when FC Porto moved ahead of the scoreboard: Soares played well with Luis Díaz, dribbled an opponent and shot for goal, with the ball going under the goalkeeper’s body. The opponent’s reaction was quick and came from a penalty, after Marchesín tackled Roger Assalé. Called to the spotlight, Jean-Pierra Nsame didn’t give any chances to the Argentinian goalkeeper and tied the match (15m).

The tie was an alert sign for FC Porto, who was close to scoring again when Danilo headed at the post after a corner-kick taken by Corona (25m). It was a sort of warning to what was to come. In good position, Soares was the last player to touch the ball in a fantastic team play that involved Luis Díaz, Otávio and Corona. 29 minutes in, the second goal of the evening for the number 29, who set the 2-1 at halftime.

The second-half wasn’t as exciting as the first and the pace lowered considerably, even if the one goal lead was in no way comfortable. Soares almost scored the hat-trick, but the shot went just outside the post (69m), and, right after that, Young Boys tried to tie again: Ulisses Garcia put Marchesín to the test and the Argentinian international didn’t hesitate (71m). By then, the final score was a guess for everyone.

The team from Switzerland never stopped looking for the 2-2, but the blue and whites didn’t waste the opportunity to get the first three points in Europa League. Striker Fábio Silva was sent in to replace Soares, 81 minutes in, becoming the youngest player ever to play in European competitions, almost scoring in his debut (82m).