Soccer-Porto snatch late victory over Besiktas

ISTANBUL, Oct 3 (Reuters) Ricardo Quaresma scored a stoppage-time goal to give Porto a 1-0 victory over Besiktas in their Champions League Group A match today.

Porto had to work hard to stave off growing pressure from the home side in the later stages of both halves, with Besiktas creating a series of chances.

But it was Porto who broke the deadlock when midfielder Quaresma poked the ball past Besiktas keeper Hakan Arikan from close range in the second minute of stoppage time.

The result lifted Porto to second in the group with four points, two behind leaders Olympique Marseille and three ahead of Liverpool.

Besiktas are without a point after a second loss.

''We fought well and had some clear chances but we didn't capitalise on them and conceded an unlucky goal at the end,'' Besiktas captain Ibrahim Uzulmez said.

''After two losses, we have put our chances of advancing in jeopardy,'' he said.

The defeat added to a disappointing week for coach Ertugrul Saglam's side after they lost to arch rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish league at the weekend.

After a cautious opening 15 minutes, Besiktas began to dominate the game in the first half, exerting growing pressure on the Porto goal with the Portuguese side content to sit back and absorb the attacks.

Porto goalkeeper Helton made an important save after 25 minutes, palming away a header from Brazilian striker Bobo.

Two minutes later, the home side went close again, but defender Ibrahim Toraman missed the target.

Porto, Champions League winners in 2004, looked to hit Besiktas on the counter attack. Quaresma and Raul Meireles both had efforts on goal, but failed to really trouble the Besiktas keeper.

Besiktas' French midfielder Edouard Cisse went close at the end of the first half with a long-range shot which forced a diving save out of Helton.

The home side again appeared in control for much of the second half, but let their guard down at the very end to give Quaresma his chance to score.

REUTERS SBA AS0325