Danilo has bemoaned the way Porto threw away a lead to lose 2-1 against Atlético de Madrid.
The Portuguese side dominated the first half, taking the lead through a header from Colombian forward Jackson Martínez, on 16 minutes.
Half-time alterations from coach Diego Simeone, however, swung the momentum in Atlético’s favour. Diego Godín netted the equaliser – with help from Helton’s poor judgement – before Arda Turan smashed in from close range, after a well-worked free-kick, to win the game with four minutes remaining.
“We have to be more consistent,” said a frustrated Danilo to uefa.com. “We started really well, we were physically strong, focused and got the opening goal. Afterwards our rhythm dropped, and we cannot let that happen. We were playing a quality team who could use that to make the difference.”
Porto were given a boost by Zenit Saint Petersburg’s surprise draw with Austria Wien, but Danilo insists the double-header against Luciano Spalletti’s side is now key.
We lost some important points here, so we have to try hard to recover,” the 22 year-old continued. “The games against Zenit are decisive. This defeat has cost us, but we have to move on. We still have a good chance of qualifying and carrying on in the competition. We are aware of this. The level is high and the games against Zenit will be difficult, so we have to be prepared.”
Porto are next in action away to Arouca, on Sunday.
