UEL: Porto Edges Crvena Zvezda 2-1 with Late Mora Winner

Porto maintains perfect start with 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda

Porto started their UEFA Europa League campaign with two consecutive wins, defeating Crvena Zvezda 2-1 courtesy of Rodrigo Mora's decisive late goal.

This result further exacerbated Crvena Zvezda's struggles in major UEFA competitions, where they've managed just two wins in their last 17 matches...

FC Porto maintained their perfect start to the season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Europa League. Rodrigo Mora's decisive goal in the 89th minute sealed the win for the Portuguese side, extending Crvena Zvezda's dismal run in major UEFA competitions.

The match saw Porto dominate the proceedings, with the visitors struggling to cope with their opponents' attacking prowess. William Gomes opened the scoring for Porto with a coolly converted penalty in the 8th minute after Franklin Tebo Uchenna's clumsy foul on Deniz Gul. Crvena Zvezda fought back, equalizing through Vasilije Kostov's well-taken goal in the 32nd minute.

Rodrigo Mora in the 89th minute 🤯#UEL pic.twitter.com/wINxvtqrIk

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 2, 2025

Porto's persistence paid off in the dying minutes of the game when Rodrigo Mora scored the winner, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack assisted by Pepê. This win marks Porto's second consecutive victory in the UEFA Europa League campaign, while Crvena Zvezda's struggles continue with only two wins in 17 matches in major UEFA competitions.

Crvena Zvezda, having conceded at least two goals in each of their last four UEL away matches, knew they needed a positive response. The visitors had a chance to level when Mirko Ivanic headed wastefully over from six yards, but they soon found the equalizer. Vasilije Kostov scored with a sublime first-time strike from inside the box, firing the ball beyond Diogo Costa into the far corner.

The second half began with both teams looking to assert their dominance. Porto's William Gomes had a swerving effort fly narrowly wide, while Crvena Zvezda's Marko Arnautovic directed a good headed chance off target. The match remained intense, with both sides creating opportunities to take the lead.

As the match entered its final 20 minutes, Porto intensified their pressure, determined to maintain their 100% start to the campaign. However, Crvena Zvezda's defense held firm, with Tebo Uchenna making a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Rodrigo Mora. Despite Porto's relentless pressure, Crvena Zvezda remained potent on the counter-attack.

In a golden opportunity to snatch the win, substitute Bruno Duarte blazed a shot high over the bar from just eight yards out. This miss proved costly, as Porto capitalized on their pressure to score a dramatic winner in the 89th minute. Mora tapped home from Pepê's unselfish lay-off, extending Porto's remarkable start to the season.