FC Porto beat VfB Stuttgart 2-0 to qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals, but they are still “halfway there and there’s a long way to go”, which is why Alan Varela believes they must take it “step by step”. “The focus is now on Braga, where we’ll have a very difficult game to face together and win,” the midfielder emphasised in the quick interview zone at Estádio do Dragão before praising the team’s “very good response” in a “very long” match with “moments of suffering and others of playing”.

Analysis of the victory
“We knew we were up against a great opponent who are near the top of their league, play very well and have good individual players, but we managed the game well. The team responded in the best possible way and, fortunately, we qualified.”

One game at a time
“We’re halfway there, there’s still a long way to go, and we’re taking it step by step. The focus now is on Braga, where we’ll have a very difficult game to face together and win.”

The extended lead at Estádio do Dragão
“These are very long games; there are moments to suffer and others to play. They needed the win, they came at us with everything, but the team responded very well. As for Rodrigo Mora, I’m not quite sure what happened, but I think he might have picked up an injury.”

Francesco Farioli’s reaction to Victor Froholdt’s goal
“I saw it live, the coach was right next to me. I was surprised by that great left-footed shot, it was a really beautiful goal.”