Late Gul Equalizer Rescues Draw For Porto In Europa League Thriller

The Doosan Arena in Plzeň played host to a dramatic UEFA Europa League clash between Viktoria Plzeň and FC Porto on January 22, 2026, a match that saw icy conditions, tactical intrigue, and a late twist that left both teams sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw. With both sides harboring ambitions of direct qualification for the round of 16, this encounter was always going to be a tense affair, and it did not disappoint the bundled-up fans in attendance.

Coming into the match, Viktoria Plzeň had built a reputation as one of the stingiest defenses in the competition, conceding just two goals in their previous six Europa League matches. Porto, meanwhile, had let in five over the same span but boasted a more prolific attack, spearheaded by the in-form Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa, who had netted three times in his last two European outings. The stakes were clear: Porto, sitting ninth with 14 points, needed a result to keep pace for a top-eight finish, while Plzeň, in 17th with 11 points, were still fighting for a coveted playoff spot.

The opening exchanges saw both teams probing for weaknesses. The game, played under a biting -5°C chill, was influenced by the weather as much as by tactical choices. Plzeň’s striker Matěj Vydra remarked before kickoff, "It will certainly be a question of who is better prepared for this winter," highlighting the home side’s hope that familiarity with the cold could play to their advantage. Defender Jakub Kiwior echoed the sentiment: "Everyone knows it will be very cold and they are mentally prepared to face it. It will be cold outside, but on the field it will be hot."

Porto manager Francesco Farioli, facing several squad absences—including Nehuén Pérez (Achilles), Luuk de Jong (knee), and the unregistered Thiago Silva—warned of the challenge ahead. "It becomes more difficult to analyze. They are in a moment of restarting competition, this will be their first official game of the year. They did their pre-season in Spain, played friendlies and there were departures, in addition to suspended players. We need to be prepared for different scenarios," Farioli said before kickoff. Despite the disruptions, he remained confident: "They are a very physical team, strong in man-to-man pressing all over the field. I expect a game with many duels and a fight for the ball."

As the referee Andris Treimanis got things underway, Plzeň wasted no time asserting themselves. In the 11th minute, a nervy clearance from Porto’s Diogo Costa was seized upon by Matej Valenta, who slipped the ball to Lukáš Červ. The Czech midfielder took a touch and unleashed a precise shot from outside the box, beating Costa and sending the home fans into raptures. Porto, stunned but not deflated, responded with controlled possession and persistent attacking play, but found Plzeň’s defense—anchored by Cheick Souaré, Karel Spácil, and Merchas Doski—difficult to breach.

The match’s pivotal moment arrived just before halftime. As Porto pressed for an equalizer, a corner from Rodrigo Mora was met by Martim Fernandes, whose header was cleared off the line by Matěj Vydra. VAR intervened, ruling Vydra had handled the ball, resulting in a penalty and a straight red card for the Plzeň striker. The Doosan Arena held its breath as Samu Aghehowa, Porto’s talisman, stepped up—but his effort flew wide, a huge let-off for the hosts and a moment of agony for the visitors. The first half ended with Plzeň ahead 1-0 but reduced to ten men, setting the stage for a frenetic second half.

With the numerical advantage, Porto pushed forward relentlessly after the break. Coach Farioli introduced Brazilian winger Pepê for Borja Sainz at halftime, and later brought on Deniz Gul and Alan Varela to inject more attacking impetus. Porto peppered the Plzeň goal with shots—registering 19 attempts, 8 on target—but goalkeeper Florian Wiegele and his back line stood firm. Plzeň, meanwhile, looked to hit on the counter, nearly doubling their lead through Prince Adu after a swift break, only for Costa to deny him with a sharp save.

The drama intensified in the final minutes. Porto thought they had equalized in the 85th minute when Pablo Rosario’s cross was bundled into the net by Jakub Kiwior, but the referee, after heated protests and a VAR review, disallowed the goal for a handball by Samu. Kiwior was booked for dissent, adding to the tension on the pitch.

Still, Porto refused to give up. In stoppage time, the breakthrough finally came. Left-back Kiwior, determined to make amends, delivered a low cross into the box. Substitute Deniz Gul controlled expertly, spun away from his marker, and rifled a shot into the corner—sending the traveling supporters into delirium and breaking Plzeň hearts. The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, with both teams reflecting on what might have been.

Statistically, Porto dominated possession and attacking metrics, completing 468 passes to Plzeň’s 230 and winning 18 aerial duels to the hosts’ 13. Viktoria Plzeň, for their part, continued to show why they are so hard to break down, with Sampson Dweh—though suspended for this match—leading the Europa League in tackles, clearances, and interceptions this season. The home side’s ability to frustrate opponents was on display once again, even as their run of three consecutive 0-0 draws in Europe came to an end.

After the match, Plzeň coach Martin Hyský praised his team’s resilience: "We know our opponents well, they are very strong, but we are prepared to face them." Porto’s Farioli, meanwhile, acknowledged the importance of the late equalizer: "A good result brings us closer to an important objective and allows us to avoid the playoff games. In such a tight schedule, reaching the next phase directly is very valuable, especially in managing the squad and energy."

This first-ever European meeting between Viktoria Plzeň and FC Porto lived up to its billing, providing drama, controversy, and a result that keeps both teams’ Europa League hopes alive. As the tournament enters its decisive phase, both sides will look back on this contest as a test of character and a valuable point earned on a frigid Czech night.