FC Porto brought VfB Stuttgart’s UEFA Europa League campaign to an end with a composed and ruthless performance in the Round of 16 second leg. Despite showing attacking intent and creating a host of chances, the German side were unable to overturn their first-leg deficit, ultimately falling short on the European stage.

From the first whistle, Sebastian Hoeneß’s side looked determined to respond. VfB Stuttgart controlled large spells of possession and carved out several promising opportunities, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Diogo Costa, whose presence in goal proved decisive.

And as so often happens in knockout football, missed chances came at a price. FC Porto punished their opponents with ruthless efficiency, opening the scoring in the 21st minute through William Gomes, who capitalised on the hosts’ first real opportunity.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with VfB Stuttgart pushing forward in search of a lifeline. However, Diogo Costa continued to deliver a goalkeeping masterclass, frustrating the visitors at every turn and preserving Porto’s advantage.

Any lingering hope was extinguished in the 72nd minute when Victor Froholdt produced a stunning finish, firing into the top corner to seal the tie in emphatic fashion. Matters worsened for the German side late on, as Nicolas Nartey received his second yellow card, reducing VfB Stuttgart to ten men and effectively ending the contest.

2025-26, Europa League

Porto - VfB Stuttgart 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: William Gomes, 21 (1:0); Froholdt, 72 (2:0)

Porto: Costa D.; Thiago Silva; Bednarek; Sanusi (Kiwior, 58); Alberto Costa; Rosario; Sainz B. (Fernandes M., 66); Fofana S. (Varela A., 73); Mora (Froholdt, 46); William Gomes (Pepê E., 58); Moffi
Substitution: Froholdt (from 46); Kiwior (from 58); Pepê E. (from 58); Fernandes M. (from 66); Varela A. (from 73)
Bench: Ramos; João Costa; Prpic; Moura; Veiga G.; Sousa G.; Gül D.
Yellow Cards: Rosario 7; Sanusi 23; Mora 25

VfB Stuttgart: Nübel; Hendriks R.; Mittelstädt (Tomas T., 61); Jaquez; Chabot; Stiller (Andres, 79); Führich (Assignon, 78); Karazor (Nartey, 62); El Khannouss; Demirovic; Undav (Bouanani, 78)
Substitution: Tomas T. (from 61); Nartey (from 62 till 77); Assignon (from 78); Bouanani (from 78); Andres (from 79)
Bench: Bredlow; Hellstern; Al Dakhil; Vagnoman; Jeltsch; Catovic
Yellow Cards: Demirovic 35; Jaquez 63; Nartey 76, 77; Assignon 89
Red cards: Nartey 77'