Porto win Europa League, Europe shrugs

There is nothing that André Villas Boas can do wrong at present. Porto claimed their first European trophy since the José Mourinho era in Dublin last night; and their manager became the youngest winner of a UEFA club competition. Suitors will be taking note.

Despite Falcao's classy finish, this was by no means a classic match. Porto had always been expected to triumph at the Aviva. Regardless of the two team's familiarity, Braga finished fourth and 38 points adrift of the title winners in the Portuguese league. This was always likely to prove a step too far.

Porto's victory continues their superb season, in which they have won the league title and remain on course for a Treble - they face Guimaraes in the Portuguese Cup on Sunday.

Set up to hit Porto on the counter, Braga needed to take any chances that came their way. Custodio could have done better with an early volley and the substitute, Mossoró, should have drawn them level seconds after half time. Helton saving comfortably.

But by that stage they were playing catch-up. Falcao's first meaningful contribution a gloriously cushioned header from Fredy Guarín's cross just before the break prised the Braga defence apart. That was the Colombian's 17th goal in Europe this season, extending his record tally for a campaign and in the end it was all that was required.