Twice champions Porto hold the upper hand over VfB Stuttgart after winning 2-1 in their Europa League last 16 first leg in Germany on Thursday.

Porto took the lead in the 21st minute with Terem Moffi’s goal.

Borja Sainz passed the ball into the box, and Moffi hit it hard into the net for 1-0, and just three minutes later, Moffi had another chance, but Stuttgart’s goalkeeper Alexander Nubel saved it.

Porto doubled their advantage in the 27th minute thanks to Rodrigo Mora.

The move started with Zaidu Sanusi, who raced onto a wayward pass in midfield, sprinted forward, and whipped in a perfect cross.

Mora was in the right place at the right time, tapping the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

However, Stuttgart managed to pull one goal back five minutes before the break, courtesy of Deniz Undav, narrowing Porto's lead to 2-1.

The second half was full of action. Sanusi almost scored an own goal in the 57th minute, but Nubel saved it.

Stuttgart thought they had equalized in the 70th minute, but Angelo Stiller’s goal was ruled offside.

Terem Moffi, who scored the first goal, played 59 minutes before Deniz Gul came on but Porto held on and won 2-1.

With the first leg done, FC Porto gears up to welcome Stuttgart to the Estádio Dragão next week.

Porto will aim to turn their home ground into a fortress and seal their place in the Europa League quarterfinals.

The fans will be watching closely as Super Eagles stars Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi are set to play key roles.

And Stuttgart, chasing the deficit, will bring everything they’ve got, which could spark some exciting counterattacks. After a tense first leg, the return match promises to be a thrilling showdown.