FC Porto will return home with an advantage in the round of 16 of the Europa League after defeating VfB Stuttgart (1-2) on Thursday at the Arena Stuttgart in Germany in the first leg of the round. Following “a very positive result,” Diogo Costa emphasized that “nothing is decided yet” and that it is essential to “play a good game in the second leg as well.” For now, “we’re putting the Europa League aside,” admitted the blue and white captain, as “on Sunday we have another important league match, in which we also want to represent FC Porto well.”

A summary of the match
“It was a very positive result, first because we won and second because we played well. With this victory, we’ve secured spots for three Portuguese teams in the Champions League two seasons from now. We’re representing Portugal and we’re happy about that. Today was a very competitive match that we wanted to win and in which we were strong in the duels. Nothing is decided yet and we have to play well in the second leg too.”

The second leg awaits
“First, we have the second leg, and it’s important to take it one game at a time, but we have a lot of confidence in our work. Now we’re going to put the Europa League aside, because on Sunday we have another important league match, in which we also want to represent FC Porto well.”

Maturity and Focus
“We were much more mature and less careless; we were much more focused. It’s something we’ve talked about a lot, and we still need to make a few adjustments. We conceded a goal, but we managed to bounce back, and that’s very positive.”

Always ready to help the team
“I’m always grateful when they put me in the game, and I try to give my all every day. I’m grateful for this, but I want more, and this is the way forward.”

The league standings
“We have to take it one game at a time and not worry about what others are doing. That’s the mindset we have, and that’s what we demand of each other.”