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This is an archive article published on April 9, 2004

Porto ease into semi-finals

Maniche Ribeiro scored twice to ease Porto into the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-2 draw at Olympique Lyon on Wednesday. The UEFA Cu...

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Maniche Ribeiro scored twice to ease Porto into the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-2 draw at Olympique Lyon on Wednesday. The UEFA Cup holders completed a 4-2 aggregate success and set up a semi-final against Deportivo Coruna, who upset holders AC Milan in Wednesday8217;s other quarter-final return.

Maniche fired high into the net after only six minutes from Deco Souza8217;s clever pass to open the scoring. French international Peguy Luyindula equalised for Lyon eight minutes later but Maniche8217;s volleyed finish from another Deco pass two minutes after the break killed the tie.

Lyon had Brazilian defender Edmilson sent off 16 minutes from time before his compatriot Giovane Elber scored a late consolation equaliser. The result means Porto, who won the European Cup in 1987 and reached the Champions League semifinals 10 years ago, have now not lost to Lyon in four matches after winning their first three encounters. 8220;Lyon took risks and were dangerous in the first half when they were breaking down the wings. We had problems dealing with it,8221; Porto coach Jose Mourinho told reporters. 8220;In the second half it was much easier,8221; he added.

The hosts had to attack in a bid to overhaul Porto8217;s 2-0 first-leg lead and Luyindula found the net in the fourth minute but his effort was harshly ruled out for offside.

A minute later, Luyindula8217;s low strike was blocked by Porto keeper Vitor Baia as Lyon piled on the pressure. Reuters

 

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