Lazio deserved a draw against Porto - Sarri

scored the opener against

through a cheeky

Mattia Zaccagni

flick on a corner that was well-worked.

However,

Toni Martinez

, the star hero for Porto, found the back of the net twice to help his side take the lead and seal a victory.

“

It was a good game against a tough opponent. We are disappointed the first half ended in a stalemate, because we had the chances to easily lead at the break,”

Maurizio Sarri told

Sky Sport Italia

.

“The only concern was the approach to the second half, as Porto started very strong after the break. We were shaky for a few minutes, but then got it back in hand and went close to equalising with Felipe Anderson.

“We created as many clear-cut chances as Porto did, so  it’s disappointing we were unable to get the draw. The only problem was our approach to the start of the second half, but I saw progress tonight. This was a game we would’ve really struggled in a few months ago.”

In Europe, away goals are not counted double on aggregate anymore, but it stays an open tie for a spot in the Round of 16 of the Europa League with the second leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We need a goal to get on level terms, because with the new rules, this result is not as good as it would’ve been. Porto are a very technical side, we will be in trouble if we leave them space.”

It was somehow tricky as Ciro Immobile did not come along due to a high fever; therefore, Felipe Anderson and Pedro took turns as the False 9.

“Clearly, they have certain characteristics and cannot be Immobile, but they created the chances to score more goals.

“We’ll see if Immobile recovers for Udinese, I’ll speak to the doctor and we’ll see how he is doing.”

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