UCL: Chukwueze's return, AC Milan triumphs; Sanusi inspires Porto, Ejuke and Yusuf falter
Posted : 08 November 2023
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi made a remarkable comeback after a seven-week injury hiatus, playing a pivotal role in Porto's 2-0 victory over Antwerp, featuring Alhassan Yusuf and Chidera Ejuke.
Sanusi had been sidelined since September 19 due to an injury sustained in Porto's Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Upon his recovery, he was immediately back in action as Porto faced Antwerp at the Estadio Dragao. In contrast, Alhassan Yusuf played for the Belgian side, and Ejuke began on the bench.
Sanusi played aggressively, frequently pushing forward, and had an early opportunity in the box that went unrewarded. Nonetheless, the former Portuguese champions took the lead in the 32nd minute with a penalty goal from Evanilson.
Alhassan Yusuf was active in midfield, contributing defensively while also adding energy to the attack. Antwerp was mostly on the defensive, and their situation worsened when Jurgen Ekkelenkamp received a red card for a foul in the 50th minute.
Sanusi had another chance to score in the 67th minute with a header, but the goalkeeper saved it. Sanusi had a solid performance, with 75 touches and two clearances, winning 8 of his 11 duels.
Yusuf had an average performance with 50 touches but struggled to contain Porto's offensive threats.
Ejuke had a 15-minute appearance but didn't produce any standout moments for Antwerp. The match ended 2-0 in favor of Porto at the Estadio Dragao.
Elsewhere, at the Stadion Rajko Mitic, Peter Olayinka couldn't prevent Red Star Belgrade from a 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig. Olayinka came off the bench while Leipzig was leading 1-0, and they later added a second goal through Lois Openda. Red Star Belgrade pulled one back with an own goal from Benjamin Henrichs in the 81st minute, but Olayinka missed a late scoring opportunity. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Leipzig in Serbia.
In Italy, Samuel Chukwueze returned to the bench for AC Milan in their 2-1 victory over PSG. Chukwueze had been nursing an injury and watched the entire game from the bench as AC Milan secured the win with goals from Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
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