On Wednesday night, Liverpool star Marko Grujic came on as a second-half substitute as FC Porto secured a stunning Champions League victory over Juventus.
The 24-year-old made his 25th appearance across all competitions this season, with Grujic currently enjoying a season-long loan period at the Estádio do Dragão stadium.
While the Dragons’ domestic form may be in question, Sergio Conceição was still able to inspire the team’s standout result of the season, as Porto made a resounding step towards the Champions League quarter-finals.
Indeed, it would be foolish to write-off Juventus at the half-way point, especially given Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive record in second-leg fixtures.
Still, this felt like a significant moment for the Blue and whites, who currently trail league leaders Sporting Lisbon in Primeira Liga by 10 points.
Porto achieved the victory against Juventus with goals in the first minute of each half, with Mehdi Taremi and Moussa Marega on the scoresheet for the Portuguese champions.
Grujic was called upon in the second period to see out the match while the hosts were two goals to the good. Federico Chiesa did pull a goal back late-on for Juventus, but Porto held on for a memorable win.
Transfermarkt shows that Grujic was handed just under 30 minutes, as Porto look on course to reach the last-eight of the competition for the second time in three seasons.
Despite his small cameo, Grujic was able to contribute one shot, one interception, one clearance and one blocked shot. He also won two of his aerial duels, per WhoScored.
There was even a photo on Grujic’s Instagram page, that featured the Serbian international taking on five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo.
It’s great to see Grujic making an impact for his current club side, especially in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Judging by the first set of European results, there could be two teams in the competitions final eight with representatives from Anfield.
Let’s hope Grujic and Porto can get the job done ahead of the return leg in Turin next month.