FC Porto’s journey in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) 2025/26 remains very much alive after Francesco Farioli’s side produced an emphatic 3-1 win over Rangers at Estádio do Dragão. This result didn’t just punch Porto’s ticket to the last 16—it also extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 12 games (W11, D1), underscoring a team in brilliant form when it matters most. The Dragões are gathering real momentum, and their fans can almost taste the possibilities that lie ahead.
The night, however, began with an unexpected twist. With pride as their only currency, already-eliminated Rangers showed that motivation matters more than math. Within just six minutes, the Scottish side stunned the home crowd: James Tavernier’s alertness saw him intercept a pass, and his quick thinking set up Findlay Curtis for a teasing cross. Djeidi Gassama made no mistake, expertly heading home to give the visitors an early—if brief—lead. Estádio do Dragão fell silent, but only for a moment.
Turning point: a swift Portuguese response
What followed was a classic demonstration of Porto’s resolve. Falling behind at home could have rattled Farioli’s men, but instead, it served as a catalyst. For a gripping ten minutes around the half-hour mark, the Portuguese giants seized control.
- In the 27th minute, Rodrigo Mora pounced on a loose ball after chaos in the Rangers box, blasting his shot past Jack Butland to level the scores.
- Just nine minutes later, a freak incident undid the Scottish defense: another dangerous delivery into the box saw Tavernier colliding with his own goalkeeper, leaving Francisco Moura with the easiest of finishes into an empty net.
Before Rangers could regroup, another body blow arrived. Porto’s William Gomes fired a pinpoint corner that forced Emmanuel Fernandez into a costly mistake, nodding into his own net and sending the hosts into halftime with a commanding 3-1 advantage. From trailing to triumph in under 20 minutes—Porto had turned the night on its head.
Second half: defensive fortitude and game management
With the job nearly complete, Porto’s focus after the restart shifted to discipline and control. Rangers, staring down elimination in the group phase for the first time since 2018/19, made several changes, perhaps with their ongoing title challenge in mind. The Scots pressed for a route back—Nicolas Raskin’s long-range thunderbolt just after the hour demanded a full-stretch save from Diogo Costa, but that was as close as they came.
Porto coolly saw out the final half-hour. Smart possession play, timely interventions, and a relentless work ethic ensured the scoreline never felt in doubt. The Estádio do Dragão faithful celebrated as the final whistle confirmed their sixth-place finish—good enough for automatic passage to the last 16.
Key takeaways: Porto’s march, Rangers’ reflection
What made the difference on the night? Consider these factors:
- Momentum swings – Porto’s two-goal salvo in just nine minutes irreparably altered the course of the game.
- Tactical awareness – Farioli’s men responded to adversity with a cool head and clinical precision.
- Rangers’ focus – With little to play for in Europe and major domestic challenges looming, attention may have drifted for the visitors.