Falcao leads Porto to Europa glory

Porto have moved one step closer to completing a historic treble after a 1-0 win over Sporting Braga in the Europa League final on Wednesday.

After wrapping up the Liga Sagres title with five matches to spare, Andre Villas-Boas’ side won their second trophy of the season thanks to Radamel Falcao’s header one minute before half-time.

Falcao’s goal was his 17th of the Europa League campaign – a new record – and means Porto just need to defeat Vitoria Guimaraes in the Taca De Portugal final on Sunday to wrap up the treble.

Porto entered the match having scored a staggering 130 goals in 52 matches this season – largely thanks to the likes of Hulk and Falcao – but could not repeat the dose in Dublin as they struggled to break down a Braga defence in what was, in truth, a poor match.

It was an open affair early and Braga could have gone ahead inside five minutes but Custodio’s volley flew wide after he beat Porto’s offside trap.

Hulk was next to go close on eight minutes after he cut inside from the right, beating two defenders before curling his left-foot strike inches wide.

The remainder of the first half turned out to be a cagey affair with Braga pair Silvio and Hugo Viana going into the book for rash challenges.

Porto were the more creative in the attacking third and deservedly went ahead one minute before the interval.

Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin picked up a loose pass on halfway, before he burst forward and supplied a delightful cross from the right for striker Falcao, who placed a superb header into the top corner.

Braga could have replied almost straight away when Marcio Mossoro was presented with a gilt-edged chance in the first minute of the second half.

A defensive lapse allowed him in and behind the Porto defence but goalkeeper Helton saved well with his legs.

Helton was in the thick of the action, rushing off his line in a bizarre move, but for all of their second-half dominance Braga struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

Alvaro Periera could have doubled Porto’s lead with 20 minutes remaining but he could not meet Hulk’s superb cross while Braga’s Meyong Ze wasted a chance from the edge of the penalty area.

Porto were solid enough in defence to keep their opponents at bay and although it was not the prettiest of encounters, it would have mattered little to their fans as they now are favourites to win three trophies in one season.