Eliaquim Mangala saved Porto’s blushes against German strugglers Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manchester United defensive target Eliaquim Mangala showed his attacking prowess to ensure Porto scraped through their Europa League knockout clash.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg at home to Frankfurt, Porto drew 3-3 in Germany to qualify on away goals at 5-5 on aggregate in an entertaining return match.
2-0 down on the night, Mangala hit back for Porto with a well directed header (bottom) to get his side back into the game.
Minutes later he would tie them level (top) with a powerful header reminiscent of Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic who he could replace at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman owed his side a good performance, having been sent off as he gave away a penalty against Estoril at the weekend to cost Porto their first home defeat in a staggering 81 games.
This game certainly will – from an attacking side at least- have impressed watching United scouts, with the physical presence he displayed in the opposition penalty box exactly the type they would want to see. The fact his side shipped three goals of their own however, may not have gone down so well.
image: © Clément Bucco-Lechat
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