Porto 0-1 Galatasaray: Melo penalty enough for Terim's side to claim opening win

The opening game of the Emirates Cup became a test of nerve from 12 yards as Porto spurned both their chances from the spot, eventually losing to a solitary Felipe Melo penalty as Galatasaray claimed the first points of the weekend tournament.

With three points awarded for a win and one for every goal scored, Fatih Terims outfit claimed a valuable scalp in a classic game of two halves.

Galatasaray certainly pleased the neutrals, naming Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba in a close to full-strength starting XI. Porto meanwhile had a familiar look about them as they lined up in the club's traditional 4-3-3 shape with Napoli target Jackson Martinez leading the line.

And it was Martinez who forged the games first chance, as he collected an expansive pass down the left channel, before cutting inside Dany Nounkeu and testing Fernando Muslera at his near post.

Porto started the brighter team and Kelvin in particular looked to be the biggest danger to the Galatasaray goal. The 20-year-old Brazilian had already begun to worry Emmanuel Eboue - who received a warm welcome from the home fans - before he glided into the box and drew a clumsy challenge from Aurelien Chedjou.

The penalty, though, was spurned by Martinez who casually stroked it into the arms of Muslera.

Eight minutes later, Sneijder and Drogba combined for the first meaningful time as the Dutchman drilled a pass into his strike partner. Drogbas slightly fortuitous backheel gave the Ivorian the time and space to line up a shot from 25 yards, but Fabiano flew to his right and palmed behind for a corner.

Galatasaray grew into the half with Nordin Amrabat whizzing forward in support of Sneijder at every opportunity. The Moroccan winger clumsily left a foot in on Fabiano as the Porto goalkeeper plunged at his feet, before later seeing his low cross just cut out before the waiting Drogba could turn home.

Half-time saw a couple of changes for Paulo Fonsecas side but it almost entirely neutered their attacking potential as Lica offered barely half of Silvestre Varelas contribution in the first 45.

For all Portos impressive first half work, the narrative changed as Drogba upped the tempo and found his rhythm, initially watching his close range finish deflect into the hands of Fabiano, before laying Amrabats pass into the path of Sneijder, who fired wide from 20 yards.

Gala were purring, until Fabiano introduced his Harald Schumacher tribute and nearly decapitated Drogba. After lengthy treatment and a shake of the head the Ivorian recovered and came close to opening the scoring from a 25-yard free-kick. Fabiano, though palmed to safety, before some desperate defending blocked Amrabats rebound.

Then came the madness, as Andre Marriner pointed to the spot twice more. On the 70th minute, Eboue raced into the box and drew a clumsy foul, allowing Melo to send Fabiano the wrong way and open the scoring.

Then, in the 77th minute Danilo tumbled over Chedjous outstretched leg, but Lucho, who has impressed throughout, dragged his spot-kick well wide.

Though Martinez wasted a great chance in the 90th minute, heading a corner straight at Muslera, Porto will look back and rue the missed penalties as their Emirates Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start.
Via: Porto 0-1 Galatasaray: Melo penalty enough for Terim's side to claim opening win