Joao inspired Barcelona qualify for UCL knockout stage for first time in 3 seasons

The two Joaos whose arrival this summer came with much fanfare registered on the scoresheet to help Barcelona come from behind and win 2-1 against a dogged Porto side.

The Blaugrana hosted the Portuguese side at Montjuic with their future in their hands, knowing a win ensures qualification and a defeat could mean they play in the Europa League for the third consecutive season.

Xavi's team conceded first, but Joao Cancelo equalised almost immediately, and in the second half, he found his countryman Felix, who sidefooted home to give the hosts the glory.

Xavi Hernandez’s side came into the game off the back of a run of tepid performances, and with the manager under pressure with whispers of a replacement, the match was a must-win.

It was the visitors, however, who started with conviction, as Porto pressed high against the Barcelona backline and made life uncomfortable for them.

The pressure from Sergio Conceicao’s men led to the ball nesting at the back of the net when Mehdi Teremi got on the end of a cross, but the linesman spared Barcelona’s blushes, and the goal was ruled out for offside. 

Porto would not be denied the second time, however, as Pepe pounced on a loose ball in the box before firing past the Barcelona goalie. Two minutes later Joao Cancelo danced through the Porto backline before curling the ball into the bottom right corner.

The goal galvanised the host and they started to dictate proceedings. On the 57th-minute mark, Cancelo found himself on the left flank once again and this time he rolled the ball through to Joao Felix, who sidefooted home.

 Barcelona had a number of chances to open a more comfortable lead but were profligate. It was, however, enough to seal maximum points and qualification into the Champions League knockout round for the first time since Lionel Messi’s exit.