March 5, 2008 5:35 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Player Ratings: Porto 1-0 Schalke (1-4 pens)

Amidst unbelievable tension, Schalke defended for their lives before beating Porto on penalties.

Mathew Burt rates the players on show at the Estadio do Dragão on Wednesday night…

Porto

Helton- 6.0 Rarely called upon to make a save, but when he did it was outside his area. He was very lucky not to be sent off. He never looked like he inspired confidence from his defenders.

Pedro Emanuel- 6.5 Not overly tested at the back and with Schalke’s lack of attacking intent in the game. Bruno Alves-6.5 A quiet game at the back tonight for Bruno Alves, but then went and missed his spot-kick in the penalty shoot out.

Bosingwa-7.5 Very impressive in the first half with his runs and crosses from the right. Was a constant outlet for Porto, but then was forced to hobble off early in the second half with a hamstring injury.

Fucile- 6.5 Had a quiet first half with Bosingwa the dominant full back, but improved in the second. Blotted his copy book with a red card for a careless two-footed tackle.

Paulo Assunção-7.0 Did his job well enough, but was not overly worked in his role as the defensive midfield screen.

Raul Meireles- 6.5 Consistent if unspectacular. Was sacrificed later on for a more attacking option.

Lucho Gonzalez-7.0 His quality was obvious throughout the game but lacked attacking bite. He tired during extra-time but coolly slotted home his spot kick.

Sektioui-6.5 Had two great opportunities in the game but was denied on both occasions by the brilliance of Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer.

Quaresma- 6.5 Never really managed to stamp his authority on the game and was generally disappointing with his free-kick delivery.

Lisandro-7.5 Kept quiet by Bordon and Krstajic all game but the produced a moment of magic to take the game to extra time.

Subs:

Mariano Gonzalez- 5.5 Did Okay after his introduction, but nothing out of this world.

Farias- 6.5 Looked dangerous but didn’t trouble Neuer too much.

Cech- 5.0 Had one shot on goal in his limited game time.

Schalke

Neuer- 9.0 The hero of the night for Schalke. Produced some wonderful, breathtaking saves to deny Porto on a number of occasions, before saving two penalties in the shoot-out.

Rafinha-7.0 A disciplined performance from the Brazilian. He curbed his attacking instincts to help keep the back four solid. Scored the opening penalty in the shoot-out with a confident strike.

Bordon- 8.5 It seemed that Bordon got his head to every single ball that was played into the Schalke penalty area. Led by example and was very unlucky to see Lisandro score so late on after his sterling work.

Krstajic- 7.5 Equally as reliable as Bordon, but was very lucky to get away with a penalty late in the game.

Westermann- 7.5 Grew in stature as the game progressed, and popped up on a number of occasions to fire in testing shots on Helton’s goal.

Ernst- 6.5 Quiet but efficient display from Ernst. His tiredness at the end of extra-time was an indication of the amount of running he had done.

Grossmüller- 6.0 Nothing spectacular from the Uruguayan, but he played his part in an all-round solid defensive display.

Jones- 7.0 Determined in the tackle, so much so that he picked up another suspension. But, credit is due for his effort and tenacity.

Kobiashvilli- 6.5 Another good all-round team performance. Performed the role given to him well.

Altintop- 6.5 Had a difficult game being caught in two minds whether to join Kuranyi in attack or sit back.

Kuranyi- 6.0 Largely anonymous in his role as a lone striker in a game where Schalke were largely happy to defend.

Subs:

Asamoah- 5.0 Did nothing worthy of note after replacing Kuranyi

Rakitic 5.5 Penalty was dispatched well under pressure