Oskar Pietuszewski's late goal, a centimetre onside, gives FC Porto a 2-1 win at Marítimo
Oskar Pietuszewski came off the bench in the 79th minute and scored the winner after a VAR review allowed the goal by one centimetre. The 18-year-old Polish forward's strike kept Porto unbeaten after eight rounds of the Primeira Liga.
Szalai and Froholdt trade goals before the break
Marítimo took the lead in the 16th minute through Hungarian defender Gabor Szalai, who struck from close to 30 metres, according to TVN24. Victor Froholdt equalised for Porto in the 42nd minute, just before halftime. The score stayed level for most of the second half, and Porto struggled for a long time to turn their control into an advantage. Francesco Farioli then sent on Oskar Pietuszewski in the 79th minute, the last change for the visitors. Jakub Kiwior and Jan Bednarek had started and played the full match.
- Gabor Szalai puts Marítimo ahead
- Victor Froholdt equalises for Porto
- Oskar Pietuszewski comes on as Porto's last substitution
- Pietuszewski's goal is allowed after a VAR review
- Porto win 2-1
A goal that nearly did not stand
The referee initially pointed to an offside position, and Porto's players feared the goal would be ruled out, according to Interia. After a VAR review the goal was allowed, and TVN24 reports that Pietuszewski was onside by a single centimetre. Kiwior sent a high, square pass into the wide channel of the penalty area, and Pietuszewski controlled it, beat one or two defenders depending on the report, and struck into the top corner. Sources give different minutes for the goal: TVN24 places it in the 84th minute, while RMF24 and Niezależna place Kiwior's pass in the 86th. In the post-match zone, Pietuszewski described the wait for the decision.
I was nervous during the VAR review of the goal.
An injury-hit start to the season
Niezależna reports that the 18-year-old was returning from an injury at the start of the season. His first appearance for Porto came in September against Benfica (3:1), when he came on only in the closing minutes. He also played a combined few minutes for Poland against Romania (6:0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (0:1). TVN24 counts the Marítimo goal as his first of the current campaign, and RMF24 notes it was only his second official match against Porto this season.
Reaction and the table
Pietuszewski spoke in Portuguese after the match and explained how he read the move.
From the first second I felt it was the perfect moment to exploit the space, and I saw that Kiwior wanted to make the pass, and we have our Polish connection.
Bednarek presented Pietuszewski with the player-of-the-match award and praised his compatriot.
He deserves it, he has worked very hard and has to be patient, with some setbacks, but I am very happy for him.
After eight rounds Porto have eight wins from eight matches and a goal record of 20-4. Sporting Lisbon are second with 18 points and Benfica have 16, with Benfica due to face Victoria Guimarães on Sunday. The club's official account on X called Pietuszewski the match's MVP.
