Following their victory in Germany (1-2), FC Porto once again got the better of VfB Stuttgart (2-0) at Estádio do Dragão in the second leg of the Round of 16, thereby qualifying for the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face Nottingham Forest. William Gomes admitted he was “very happy” to have scored the first goal of the night in a “difficult match”, not least because they were up against “one of the best teams in German football”. Insisting that the squad always takes it “one game at a time”, the Brazilian winger sees the fans as “increasingly connected with the team” and it is that energy that the players seek to bring “onto the pitch”.

The expected difficulties
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, as they are one of the best teams in German football. We already knew it would be a hard-fought match with plenty of battles, but even though we’d won the first game, we always aimed to win. We were happy to win there and here too.”

The goal that paved the way for victory
“The important thing is the goal, regardless of how it comes about. I work hard to always be in the right place and I’m very happy with the goal.”

One game at a time
“We always take it one game at a time. First we have SC Braga, then the FIFA break, but we’re focused on SC Braga. We take it one game at a time, and when the time comes, we’ll turn our attention to Nottingham Forest, who are a great side. We’ve played there before and we know the quality they possess.”

The bond between the team and the fans
“This year, the fans are increasingly connected with the team. We feel their energy and try to take that onto the pitch.”