Evanilson bags an hat-trick as Porto dismantle Antwerp

Porto's captain, Pepe, orchestrated a remarkable return to the starting lineup, leading the Portuguese giants to a stunning 4-1 comeback triumph against the struggling Royal Antwerp, positioned at the bottom of their group. Notably, Pepe's remarkable feat in this UEFA Champions League (UCL) clash, at the age of 40 years and 241 days, established him as the oldest outfield player ever to grace the competition. Evanilson's brilliant hat-trick added to the spectacle.

This was a crucial game for the hosts, who found themselves in dire need of a victory, having failed to secure a single point in their first two matchdays. This included a disappointing 2-0 lead squandered against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this month. The match began quietly, but the deadly duo of Galeno and Mehdi Taremi from Porto gradually started to make their presence felt. Notably, a penalty appeal was waved away after Taremi's shot struck Alhassan Yusuf's arm, following which Galeno made an attempt that narrowly missed the target.

On the other side of the pitch, Arbnor Muja's effort sailed over the crossbar. However, the breakthrough for the home side came not long after. Michel-Ange Balikwisha seized the opportunity, intercepting David Carmo's errant pass. After Vincent Janssen's shot deflected off Alan Varela, Yusuf calmly slotted the ball into the net from just inside the box, putting Antwerp in the lead after 37 minutes.

Porto faced additional challenges as the first half drew to a close when Wendell had to be substituted due to an injury, making way for Evanilson. But immediately after the break, Evanilson leveled the score as he capitalized on a pincer movement by Galeno and Taremi, who set him up to score in his third consecutive appearance.

Shortly thereafter, Jean Butez, the home goalkeeper, had to make a sharp save to deny Varela. However, he couldn't prevent the Dragons from completing their turnaround. Joao Mario dazzled Antwerp's left-back, Jelle Bataille, and, finding Stephen Eustaquio in space, the Canadian international slotted the ball into Butez's right-hand corner, with a slight deflection off Soumaila Coulibaly.

A crucial interception by Toby Alderweireld prevented Taremi from breaking through. The experienced defender later struck the crossbar with a powerful header, while Porto's Pepe saw his attempt blocked by a last-ditch effort from Owen Wijndal as the game intensified. However, Sergio Conceicao's side showed no signs of nerves.

Joao Mario was instrumental once again in his team's third goal, charging down the left and delivering a precise cross to Pepê. Pepê's exquisite first-time assist allowed Evanilson to score brilliantly. The 24-year-old forward then completed his treble with a delightful lob over Butez, thanks to Taremi's perfectly timed pass.

This victory solidifies Porto's hold on the second position in the group, especially after Shakhtar's earlier loss to Barcelona. Conversely, this latest defeat heaps pressure on Antwerp's manager, Mark van Bommel, who has witnessed only one win in eight matches across all competitions.