26 MAY 2003
MONACO 0-3 PORTO
Carlos Alberto 39
Deco 71
Alenichev 75
Morientes made the final but Giuly went off injured mid-way through an awful first half
with Prso coming on in his place. I'm not sure why Deschamps threw on another striker as
without Giuly Rothen was the only creative outlet and he failed to deliver a decent cross all
night. Porto didn't have that problem and it was a cross by Mendes' which helped give
them the lead. Carlos Alberto tried to meet the ball on the turn but scuffed his shot, Zikos
made a hash of clearing and the 19 year old hit a stunning volley over Roma.
Deco broke from his own half as Monaco waited for the ref to blow for a foul on Morientes,
he passed wide to Alenichev, Alenichev passed back and with three defenders standing off him
he lifted the ball into the bottom corner. Deco stole the ball off Ibarra and launched it downfield,
Derlei headed it back to Alenitchev, the Russian looked to play a one-two and as he continued
his run into the box Derlei tried his luck with a speculative effort, the ball cannoned off a defender,
dropped into the path of the onrushing Alenichev and he sent a right foot volley rasping into
the net. For some reason Baia took it upon himself to roll around on the floor and waste time and
Evra missed the chance of a consolation goal.
This match wasn't much of a spectacle because Porto shut down Monaco's attacks, and I use the term
lightly, with ridiculous ease although the French were screwed by three offside decisions. The match
was also hurt by a lack of atmosphere inside the stadium. Porto have won more European Cups than
Barca and the same number as the likes of Inter and Juventus. Some ammunition for their supporters
ahead of the inevitable break-up of their team who are worthy Champions of Europe. Porto become
the first team to win the UEFA Cup and European Cup in successive seasons since Liverpool in the 70s
and Mourinho really is the best coach in the World. Hopefully next years finalists will produce a five
goal thriller.
Assist : Alenichev
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