Maresille v Porto result

Marseille 1 - 0 F.C. Porto

On a sunny afternoon in France, the Super league season kicked off for Marseille and the portuguese champions Porto. Both teams have invested heavily in the pre season and both sets of supporters had high hopes for for the season.

The game started brightly with Marseille looking to play the ball down the channels at every opportunity, only for the porto defence to nullify any threats. Neither keeper was tested untill the 22nd minute when the Porto keeper Helton found himself picking the ball out of his net. Another Marseille raid down the left found Andre Ayew with time and space to pick out a perfect cross for target man Marc Janko to side foot home. It was the first real moment of danger but it was all that was needed for the big man to open his and his teams account for the new season.

Porto looked lively on the break and almost equalised through debutant Guiseppe Rossi when he turned and shot on the edge of the area, only to see his effort go wide of the mark. Marseille continued to stroke the ball around without creating much in front of goal and went into the break 1-0 up.

As the 2nd half began Marseile assumed control of the match and almost extended there lead in the 51st minute when Gonzalez fed Anelka on the edge of the Porto box, who turned and beat the defender before unleashing a shot, hard and low which was arrowing into the bottom corner of the net, only for Helton to make an outstanding save.

In the 69th minute Porto's best chance of the game was spurned by Rossi as he met a cross by Liedson but his header went straight at the keeper Mandanda who made a good reaction stop but he should have been given no chance by the little italian.

As the game reached the closing stages Marseille were happy to keep control of the ball and force there opponents to play on the break and as Porto began to chase the ball, Marc Janko found himself with time and space 25 yards out, he tried to curl an effort into the far corner but the classy Helton saved easily and held the ball.

The referee blew the whistle and Marseille had recorded there first win against a very strong and stubborn Porto team, they will undoubtedly be very pleased with the victory.

Man of the Match - Helton (Porto)