Key Takeaways:
- Porto overcame an early deficit to defeat Rangers 3-1 and secure fifth place in the overall Europa League standings
- Rangers exited the competition after collecting just four points
- Rodrigo Mora, aged 18, netted twice in the first half
Match Overview
Porto clinched direct qualification to the Europa League round of 16 following a commanding 3-1 victory against Rangers at home, which ensured the Portuguese club finished fifth in the competition’s overall table. Rangers, unable to advance further prior to kick-off, drew their campaign to a close with a disappointing four points after this defeat.
First Half: Gassama’s Early Strike and Porto’s Rapid Response
Rangers made a promising start, opening the scoring in the sixth minute through Djeidi Gassama. The forward, netting his sixth European goal of the season, capitalised on a cross from Findlay Curtis to head the visitors into an early lead. While the Scottish side remained solid until midway through the opening half, the balance shifted dramatically before the interval.
Estamos nos 𝗢𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗦 da @EuropaLeague 💪
⚽️ Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura e autogolo#UEL pic.twitter.com/ANugVW79ap
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) January 29, 2026
Porto’s highly regarded 18-year-old, Rodrigo Mora, drew the match level on 27 minutes. Mora quickly struck again to complete the turnaround, pouncing on a miscommunication between Tavernier and Butland in the Rangers defence. The hosts extended their advantage in the 41st minute when Emmanuel Fernandez inadvertently put through his own net from a corner, handing Porto a two-goal cushion before the break.
Second Half: Porto in Control as Rangers Fade
The latter period saw few clear opportunities, with Rangers unable to threaten Porto’s goal and the home side content to protect their lead. The outcome effectively sealed the end of Rangers’ campaign, while Porto confidently progressed to the next phase of the competition.
| Team | Score | Goal Scorers | Final Standings Position | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto | 3 | Rodrigo Mora (27′, 29′), Emmanuel Fernandez (41′ own goal) | 5th | 17 |
| Rangers | 1 | Djeidi Gassama (6′) | 32nd | 4 |
Player Performances and Key Moments
Djeidi Gassama delivered an early boost for Rangers with his sixth goal in this European campaign. Findlay Curtis provided the assist that allowed Gassama to score with a well-placed header. However, it was Rodrigo Mora who stole the spotlight, striking twice in quick succession. Mora’s opportunism and composure underlined his status as a rising talent among Porto’s ranks. The hosts’ third goal before half-time arrived courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Emmanuel Fernandez, further cementing their control of the match.
Conclusion
Porto’s determined comeback ensured their progression in the Europa League, while Rangers’ uninspired second half reflected a campaign to forget for the Scottish side, who exited the competition with four points and no chance of advancing beyond the main phase.
