Quaresma hits winner as Porto beat Athletic Bilbao

Porto extended their lead at the top of Group H with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio do Dragao.

The Portuguese side were barely troubled in the first half by an Athletic side hovering above the La Liga relegation zone and without a competitive victory since August, and Julen Lopetegui's team went into the break a goal up thanks to Hector Herrera's 45th minute strike.

Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde brought on Benat at the break, and the 27-year-old was the catalyst for a comeback for the visitors, who drew level through Guillermo's goal just before the hour.

But Porto hit a 75th minute winner when Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz allowed a speculative effort from substitute Ricardo Quaresma to sneak under his body.

Porto, with seven points from three matches, will face bottom of the group Athletic in the San Mames stadium next on 5 November.

25' - CHANCE! Susaeta comes inside and passes to San Jose 35 yards out, and his low shot evades Fabiano but hits the far post.

26' – PENALTY CLAIM! Laporte takes out Martinez as the Porto striker readies to shoot, but referee Skomina rules a fair challenge. It looked a clear penalty.

30' - CHANCE! De Marcos makes a great block to deny Martinez after Tello sets up the Colombian with a slide-rule pass.

37' – HALF CHANCE! Fabiano does not deal well with Susaeta's free-kick into the area from the left, but Guillermo miskicks the ball as it drops to him 15 yards out.

44' – GOAL!Porto 1-0 Athletic Bilbao. Damilo steals the ball and sets up Tello down the right. Quintero is then the architect with some fine play around the box, as he eventually finds Herrera. The Mexican shows great composure to sweep the ball past Iraizoz.

50' – SAVE! Iraizoz makes an awkward block with his fists to keep out Quintero's left-footed shot from distance.

51' – SAVE! Guillermo dinks the ball past Danilo down the right and shoots but Fabiano saves at his near post.

51- GOAL!Porto 1-1 Athletic Bilbao. Guillermo brilliantly finishes from Benat's slide-rule pass, after Porto give the ball away in midfield.

58' - GOAL!Porto 2-1 Athletic Bilbao. The substitute Quaresma cuts inside Etxeita and shoots, and the ball goes under Iraizoz and into the net.

83' – SAVE! Fabiano saves with his knees from Laporte's header from Benat's free-kick.

90' - CHANCE! Martinez stubs his shot wide from a good run and pass from Brahimi.

Athletic Bilbao have scored in each of their last 15 away matches in European competition.

However, Athletic have now lost five of their last six away matches in Europe, excluding qualifiers.

Porto had lost their last three games against Spanish opposition before tonight's victory over Athletic.

Benat (Athletic Bilbao) The 27-year-old hasn't really fulfilled his talents since returning to Athletic from Real Betis in June 2013, but coach Ernesto Valverde remains a fan of the midfielder. He gave his side a real attacking boost when he came on as half-time substitute for Artitz Aduriz, and set up Guillermo's equaliser with an inch-perfect through ball.

Porto: Fabiano 7, Danilo 7, Maicon 6, Martins Indi 6, Alex Sandro 6, Casemiro 5, Herrera 7, Quintero 8, Tello 7, Martinez 7, Brahimi 7. Subs: Oliver Torres 6, Ruben Neves 7, Quaresma 7.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz 5, De Marcos 6, Etxeita 6, Laporte 7, Balenziaga 6, San Jose 6, Iturraspe 6, Rico 6, Guillermo 7, Aduriz 7, Susaeta 7. Subs: Gurpegi 6, Benat 8, Muniain 7.