Porto hit four to ease past Uniao

Three quick first-half goals helped Porto to ease past Uniao 4-0 in their away Primeira Liga clash this evening, as Julen Lopetegui's side move to just two points off Sporting Lisbon at the top of the table.

The visitors were in complete control of proceedings from the first whistle, and could have taken the lead as Hector Herrera headed over the bar from close range.

The Mexican midfielder made up for his earlier error on 12 minutes, meeting a Miguel Layun cross to head past Uniao keeper Andre Moreira.

The hosts added a second just two minutes later, as Yacine Brahimi connected with an inviting Maxi Pereira cross to hit a powerful effort beyond the reach of Moreira.

Porto's third goal came in fortuitous fashion on 22 minutes, when winger Jesus Corona whipped a cross over the head of Moreira and into the back of the Uniao goal.

Uniao's first chance of the match came on 35 minutes, as Amilton tried his luck, before Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas denied Soares from distance.

The hosts improved in the second half, and almost pulled a goal back from the restart as Casillas fumbled a left-wing cross into the path of Amilton, only for the forward to fire wide.

Porto were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute, when former Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo received a red card for a strong challenge on Paulo Monteiro.

Despite their man disadvantage, Porto wrapped up the victory with a fourth goal before the final whistle, as Danilo Pereira headed in from a Layun cross to secure the three points.