Porto booked their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League this evening courtesy of a comfortable 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Jackson Martinez wasted three big chances to put the visitors ahead in a goalless first half, the most prominent of which coming from the spot when he struck the crossbar with his penalty kick.
The Colombian made no mistake tapping home from two yards out on 55 minutes, though, following some skilful work by Yacine Brahimi down the left-hand side.
It was Brahimi who secured the Dragons' passage into the round of 16 with the softest of goals a little under 20 minutes from time, knocking the ball into an empty net after Gorka Iraizoz was caught out by a pass which bobbled over his foot.
Relive all the action with Sports Mole's live text coverage below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Champions League group-stage meeting between Athletic Bilbao and Porto at San Mames.
The visitors are well in control of their own destiny in Group H having collected seven points from their first three games, sitting at the top of the table. It's been a different story for Bilbao, meanwhile, who prop up the standings with just a single point to their name.
These two sides last met a fortnight ago, with Porto coming out on top 2-1 in Portugal. There were some signs of improvement in the second half for the Basque outfit, however, which they have managed to take into their domestic campaign to slowly get their season back on track.
Having gone nine games without a win, it's now no defeats in three for Ernesto Valverde's charges, who really need to pick up three points this evening on home turf if they are to remain in the competition beyond gameweek four.
Well kickoff at San Mames is less than an hour away, so let's take a look at how the two teams line up this evening...
TEAM NEWS!
ATHLETIC BILBAO STARTING XI: Iraizoz, Laporte, San Jose, Gurpegi, Balenziaga, BeNat, De Marcos, Gomez, Susaeta, Rico, Fernandez
PORTO STARTING XI: Fabiano, Danilo, Martins Indi, Maicon, Alex Sandro, Casemiro, Brahimi, Herrera, Oliver Torres, MartÃnez, Tello
So the big news from the home side's perspective is that marksman Aritz Aduriz misses out through injury. The striker, who damaged his hamstring against Sevilla on the weekend, has scored four of Athletic's seven league goals this season, although they will now have to look elsewhere this evening.
There is some good news for the Basque outfit, as Carlos Gurpegi has overcome injury which forced him out of the recent meeting with Almeria. The 34-year-old was used as a late substitute in that weekend victory over Sevilla, and is deemed fit enough to start from the off tonight, captaining his side in what is a must-win game.
In terms of Porto, they have a heavy Spanish influence among their ranks with Casemiro, Cristian Tello and Oliver Torres on loan from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively. All three start this evening, along with the in-form Jackson Martinez who leads the line.
The Colombian striker has scored 12 goals in his last 15 games, including three in three in the Champions League. He helped rescue his side a point in the 2-2 away draw at Shakhtar Donetsk, which has left the Dragons in a promising position in the Group H standings. The ever dangerous Yacine Brahimi also starts, meanwhile, as does Netherlands international Bruno Martins Indi.
The (wet) backdrop for this evening's big Champions League meeting
BENCH WATCH!
ATHLETIC BILBAO SUBS: Herrerin, Bustinza, Iraola, Etxeita, Iturraspe, Muniain, Viguera
PORTO SUBS: Fernandez, Marcano, Neves, Quaresma, Quintero, Adrian Lopez, Aboubakar
Ricardo Quaresma came off the bench to win the match in rather fortuitous circumstances two weeks ago, seeing his effort crawl under the body of Gorka Iraizoz just minutes after being introduced. He will be looking to make a similar impact this evening if called up, as will Muniain who misses out on the starting lineup once more.
Well rewind the clocks back a couple of weeks to the night in which Bilbao suffered that rather cruel 2-1 defeat at the Estadio do Dragao, and it looked as though the club were heading one way - out of Europe and potentially out of La Liga. As far fetched as the latter of those points may sound, Bilbao were struggling badly to get the points needed to stay afloat at the bottom end of the Spanish top-flight.
In fact, the 2-1 reverse in Portugal was the low point of a run in which saw the famous Spanish club go nine games without a win in all competitions. Since then, however, Valverde's charges have not lost in three games, picking up some impressive results in the process - not least a slender 1-0 victory over high-fliers Sevilla last time out.
That's not to say things are perfect for the San Mames club, and their Champions League hopes well and truly hangs by a thread coming into this one. A dire goalless draw against Shakhtar was followed up by a 2-1 reverse at BATE - the same side Porto beat 6-0 a few weeks prior - before that 2-1 defeat at the Estadio do Dragao. It means that with three games played in Group H, Bilbao are bottom with a solitary point. Tonight is simply a must-win occasion.
It's been a different matter entirely for Porto, who lead the group with seven points from a possible nine. That aforementioned 6-0 thrashing of BATE was followed up by a battling 2-2 draw at Shakhtar, with the victory against Bilbao a fortnight ago leaving Julen Lopetegui's men in control. That's not to say they can afford to lose tonight, though, with defeat tonight ensuring that the group tightens up heading into the final two games.
It's not just in Europe in which Porto look formidable, either, losing not a single match in the Portuguese Primeira Liga . It has seen them close in on top spot in the Premieira Liga, one point off leaders Benfica. Furthermore, the Dragons - who finished third in the Portuguese top-flight last season - have won four of their last give games; a run in which they will be looking to extend this evening.
DID YOU KNOW? Well that last fact may reflect badly on Athletic in terms of their hopes this evening, although the omens are massively against Porto, also. The Dragons have seen their last two European campaigns came to an end at the hands of Spanish opposition; Sevilla in the Europa League last season, Malaga in the Champions League the year before. In fact, Porto have won just five of their 21 matches in Spain - losing 14 of those clashes.
But of course that is all in the past, and Porto will fancy their chances tonight. That said they will be wary of an ever-improving Bilbao side, who are slowly returning to their best. To put their slow start into some perspective, they currently have 11 points in La Liga, although 12 months ago that tally was 19 after the same number of games.
PREDICTION: With that in mind I'm expecting a tightly-fought contest tonight between two teams at opposite ends of the group. Porto may hold a six-point advantage over their opponents, but I'm going to back Bilbao to take a point tonight in a 1-1 draw. That won't be enough for them, but it will suit the visitors just fine.
Well there's a little over 10 minutes to go before kickoff, giving us time to take a look at what both managers had to say ahead of this game.
Ernesto Valverde: "The San Mamés effect is very important. The crowd drive us on and if we can really get them behind us then that's a huge factor in what we can do. Guillermo Fernández is ready. If he gets the nod ahead of other players it's because I've watched them all and he's in the best form. Last year other players were ahead of Guillermo but now he's getting the opportunities. It's all about performances.
Porto have their own particular style and I don't think that's going to change much. Their players like to have the ball and to control the game. They have quick players too, but I don't think they'll sit back and defend."
Julen Lopetegui: "We can qualify if we beat Athletic, but we aren't thinking about that. We have to give a good performance. Thinking about qualifying won't help us to compete. We're just focused on what we need to do.
We don't want to waste time thinking about what might happen. Every game is different and we have an opponent that wants to put on a show, just like us. Nothing external will help us. What we do is what will help us win the game."
Both managers talked about the absence of Aritz Aduriz, who will be a huge loss for the hosts this evening. I've already mentioned his impressive record, and without him in the side there is a real lack of goals throughout this Bilbao team. That said, youngster Guillermo took his chance brilliantly against Porto two weeks ago, highlighting that he has the quality to make a real difference.
One of the most atmospheric grounds in Europe, which is a complete sell-out once more this evening
The teams are now out onto the field, as the Champions League anthems belt out. There's a relief belief among home supporters that they can still qualify for the knockout stages. Two wins on the bounce has created a solid base to build on for this one, although Group H leaders Porto will of course provide tough opposition.
KICK OFF! Here we go then, as Porto get the fourth game of matchday four underway. Not ideal conditions, it must be said, with the ground rather wet. The ball seems to be moving fine at the moment, though.
Porto have started on the front foot, not allowing Bilbo any time on the ball as they close down every player. Torres looked to pick out Brahimi inside the box in the opening minute, although the ball was easily cut out in the end.
SHOT! Susaeta lofts a ball to the edge of the area from an early corner, which seemed to hang in the air for an age, where Gomez was standing by to volley the ball well over the target.
There's no denying that the visitors have got into the flow of the game better in the opening five minutes. They are controlling the tempo, switching the ball across the field while Athletic's play seems a little rushed.
Fabiano in no rush to kick the ball up the field when it was played back to him, which is rather telling. A point will suit Porto tonight, although that said they are attacking with real intent.
There's been no particular rhythm to the contest over the past five minutes or so, which will soon Porto better as they aim to take the sting out of the game. Bilbao are seeing more of the ball, but other than some hoofed balls into the box they have failed to truly trouble the visitors' backline.
CHANCE! Well that's Martinez's first sight on goal, and he probably should have done better. Tello and Danilo linked up well down the right, and the latter swung in a near-post cross which the Colombian managed to latch onto ahead of his marker, guiding the ball a few inches wide of the target. You can't afford the in-form striker that type of chance.
Incidentally, it was Gurpegi that Martinez got in front of with his click movement. The returning defender will have to be more alert as this one goes on. That remains the only real chance of the game so far, as Athletic continue to press. The onus to score is very much on the home side.
YELLOW CARD! Sandro becomes the first player to enter the referee's book following his late and rather rash challenge on Susaeta. Easy decision for Felix Brych to make.
Martins Indi pushes right up the field as he tries to win back the ball for his side, but gets caught badly out of position. Bilbao couldn't make the most of the opportunity, however, with a loose pass seeing the chance go begging. Porto look particularly dangerous down the right when Danilo is in possession, but it's the Lions who are enjoying more of the ball overall.
YELLOW CARD! Gurpegi is struggling to deal with Martinez, and it has led to him earning a caution. He was left one-on-one with the lethal striker, bundling him over and accepting the punishment. I think that's what you can taking one for the team.
Guillermo uses his pace well to get past Martins Indi, but he just got the ball caught under his feet when he looked to break away. He scored in the reverse meeting 13 days ago, remember, and will be keen to do likewise this evening.
Just half a chance for the home side, with Gomez getting a cross into the box which Mikel Rico headed high and wide. He may have been better off leaving it for Susaeta who was at the back post, but he clearly didn't get the call.
SAVE! Some of the movement from Jackson Martinez is fantastic, and he is really causing some panic in the Athletic defence. He drew a fould out of Susaeta this time, which allowed Maicon to take range with a free kick more than 30 yards from goal. Despite the distance, it was struck with real venom and Iraizoz had to push it behind.
CHANCE! I've just talked up the talents of Martinez, but he has just missed a sitter by his standards. The save from Iraizoz allowed Porto to swing a corner kick into the box, and the Colombian was waiting at the back post but was unable find the target when picked out, failing to connect properly with his header. It looked for all the world as though the net would rustle; huge sigh of relief for Bilbao.
Sandro is played in on the left-hand side, yet despite having time to compose himself and get a cross into the box, he fluffs his lines and hits the ball into Row Z. Bilbao have lost their way; all one-way traffic.
As things stand, Shakhtar and Porto are both locked on eight points at the top of Group H
Susaeta and Mikel Rico exchange passes well in midfield, but the boggy pitch just holds the ball up which allows Porto to regain possession. The visitors are looking so much more dangerous in attack, yet they have nothing to show for it at the moment.
Martinez wins yet another free kick a few yards outside the area. He certainly bought the foul, and was more than happy to go down when the contact came in from Oscar de Marcos. Good chance this from around 25 yards out...
CLOSE! ...and it wasn't far away at all! Brahimi's effort was bending towards the top left corner, but it had a little too much on it and ended wide of goal. Bilbao must learn their lesson: do not give away free kicks in shooting range.
The already-booked Gurpegui nervously glances at the referee after barging over Brahimi on the edge of the area. He was claiming that the Porto man went down rather easily, but in my opinion it was a certainly a free kick, if not a second yellow card in the process.
Guillermo having no joy at all at the moment in attack. That is not entirely his fault, with numerous Porto player constantly surrounding him. Bilbao need to do more in attack.
PENALTY TO PORTO!
Balenziago brings down Danilo inside the box, and after a fair bit of deliberating referee Felix Brych pointed to the spot. Athletic are furious, but once more it is the correct decision; Danilo got to the ball first and was brought down.
PENALTY MISSED!
It's really not Jackson Martinez's night, is it? The Colombian forward, who has scored 12 goals in his last 15 games, looked to hit the ball down the middle but go too much on it and struck the bar. A real let-off for the Lions who have been second best throughout.
I'll go back to that point made before the penalty was awarded, because nothing has changed. Guillermo is completely isolated in attack, with his teammates unable to give him the ball on the ground. So often it has been knocked long, allowing Porto's centre-back to clear away with ease.
HALF TIME: ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-0 PORTO
Well Bilbao will be grateful to hear the referee's whistle for half time, because they have been second best in the first 45 minutes. Martinez, usually so prolific in front of goal, wasted two brilliant opportunities before firing a penalty against the crossbar a few minutes before the interval.
That said, the Colombian's movement and quality on the ball suggests to me that his goal will come sooner rather than later. Besides the three aforementioned chances, Brahimi saw his free kick fly narrowly wide of the target in a largely one-sided affair.
Bilbao have looked to play a few passes through the middle, although when that has failed it is a case of knocking the ball long to Guillermo who has cut a frustrated figure. He needs better service, and Bilbao need to come out for the second half re-energised because anything less than a win this evening and their Champions League adventure is over.
Elsewhere at half time in Europe this evening...
In terms of this game, the most important fixture elsewhere is that between Shakhtar and BATE, which the Ukrainian outfit currently lead 1-0. It means that as things stand Porto and Shakhtar are level on eight points at the top of Group H, while Bilbao and BATE are on two and three points respectively.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ernesto Valverde has changed things up at the interval, bringing on Iraola and Muniain for Benat and Susaeta. Athletic were far better in the second 45 minutes two weeks ago when the sides last met, will that double substitution inspire a similar scenario this time around?
SHOT! It looks to be more of a 4-4-2 formation for the home side now, with De Marcos pushing up to offer Guillermo some much-needed support. It almost paid off immediately, although the Spaniard saw his shot deflected wide for a corner. Far more positive from Les Leones.
Danilo intercepts the ball off Muniain who was a little heavy with his touch in the centre of midfield. After bursting towards the box he got a strike away, which sailed well over the frame of the goal.
The lateral movement of De Marcos in the final third is causing Porto more problems already in the opening stages of this half than they experienced in the entire first 45 minutes. As a result Bilbao are able to play the ball around a little more in midfield.
Guillermo tries his luck from more than 40 yards out, but he is unable to loft the ball over Fabiano. Can't knock his confidence, although that wasn't the best choice in the position he was in.
GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-1 PORTO (MARTINEZ)
Well wouldn't you just know it! Bilbao have looked much more assured following the restart, but it's Porto who take the lead through Martinez. He missed three great chances in the first half, but there was no missing this time. Brahimi created the goal in superb fashion, picking up the ball on the left and drifting past three opposition men before squaring to his teammate to tap home from a yard out.
What does Valverde do now? He does have one more striker to turn to, with his side's European campaign is fading away before their eyes. Porto have found the fast-paced tempo in attacking areas that we saw in the first half, meanwhile, and it is they who look more likely to find the game's second goal.
PORTO SUB: The Dragons make their first change of the evening, replacing Tello with Quaresma. The midfielder scored the winning goal in rather fortuitous circumstances when the sides last met; can he match that feat at San Mames?
Bilbao have failed to create any real chances across 64 minutes, and that has been their downfall. It has been a little easy for Porto bar a 10-minute spell from the home side. As things stand, with Shakhtar also leading BATE 3-0, the group will be tied up this evening.
Case in point: Bilbao had the ball around the opposition area, and within the space of 15 seconds it was back up in their own half. They have offered next to nothing, which is an all too familiar story this campaign.
SAVE! Not for the first time this evening Porto earn a free kick in a good shooting position, which allows Brahimi to force Iraizoz into a save. It was a fairly comfortable save in the end, which he simply had to push behind. Moments later a ball came into Martinez at the back post which he headed over. This one was not as easy as the first-half opening, although he will still be disappointed not to have kept the attempt down.
OFF THE POST! So unlucky from Guillermo, whose looping header comes back off the post. The youngster twisted in the air while surrounded by bodies to get his head on the ball, and Fabiano was beaten as he rushed back, only for the frame of the goal to rescue him. Maybe this one is not quite over yet after all?
Reported Manchester United target Laporte passes the ball straight to Martinez, who has now dropped into a deeper position. A nice bit of footwork allowed him to close in on goal, but his shot failed to trouble Iraizoz.
GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-2 PORTO (BRAHIMI)
It's an absolute howler from Bilbao to gift Porto all three points at San Mames. Laporte played the ball back to his keeper from a tight angle, and it appeared to bobble over Iraizoz's foot, allowing Brahimi to tap into an empty net from all of five yards. Bilbao's Champions League adventure is over.
SHOT! It is of course hugely unfortunate goal for the Basuqe outfit to concede, although you have to say that Porto are good value for their two-goal advantage. It could have been more, too, with Danilo striking wide from a tight angle inside the box. Not an easy chance following Martinez's knockdown, but one he perhaps should have done a little better with.
I think this tweet sums things up nicely for Athletic fans right now. Their mini revival is well and truly over...
San Jose lofts a brilliant ball into the path of De Marcos, but the knockdown inside the box is not latched onto by any players wearing red and white. Athletic have shown glimmers of what they are capable of, but there is no denying that they have been second best.
PORTO SUB! Ruben Neves replaced Torres for the visiting side as we enter the final eight minutes of the game. Just a case of seeing out the contest in a professional manner now.
De Marcos looks to take on his man but doesn't quite have the pace required. Maicon and Martins Indi have had such an easy night at the back for Porto.
Muniain tries to thread an eye-of-the-needle pass, but he could simply have played the ball into his teammates feet instead. No need to overcomplicate matters when you are in need of three goals.
The possession statistics may not give a true reflection of matters on the field at full time, because Athletic have dominated the ball over the past 10 minutes. They have done very little with it though, failing to test Fabiano on a single occasion.
In truth the game was all over as a contest as soon as Porto's second hit the net. There was real hope from home supporters coming into the match, but they have just two more minutes remaining of their Champions League campaign.
Bilbao's final ball has let them down badly this evening, which is reflected in their zero shots on target. Porto have not really had to move out of second gear, and they are enjoying the final few seconds, knocking the ball around comfortably.
FULL TIME: ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-2 PORTO
So there we have it; Porto are into the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Bilbao crash out after just four games. The visitors were good value for their two-goal winning margin, and if anything they perhaps deserved more.
Well that's all from me this evening on Sports Mole, but stick around as we bring you a full match report, analysis, player ratings and all the reaction from San Mames.
