The UEFA Champions League draw saw FC Porto face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the competition. Liverpool fans were quite happy with the draw. The fans were relieved as drawing against the so-called ‘Big Boys’ would have hampered their title hopes as well.
The win against FC Bayern Munich away from home was a big statement from Klopp and his team asserting that they are not solely focusing on the Premier League. Having scored five against Porto away from home last season, the fans are confident that the job is going to be easy this time as well. But, the reality is that the Porto tie is going to be anything but easy for Liverpool.
Liverpool Can’t Underestimate Porto
Having a Great Season
Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a spot in the quarter-finals after beating FC Bayern 1-3 at the Allianz Arena. On the other hand, their opponents in the quarters-Porto had to turn around a first-leg deficit against AS Roma to qualify for the next round. An extra-time penalty from Alex Telles made sure that their Champions League dream was still alive. The Portuguese team had a quite impressive game against the last year semi-finalists at the Estádio do Dragão. The team looked quite capable of going far in the competition.
Porto sit second in the Liga Nos, level on points with Benfica in first. They have conceded just 15 goals in the league this season. Their defence is arguably one of the best in Europe. The team also topped their group in the UEFA Champions League.
The Portuguese side was clearly the second favourite against the mighty Roma in the round of 16. But a brave performance in the second leg was too much to handle for the Italian team. Even though Porto are not as good as the other teams in the quarterfinals on paper, the team is filled with determination and willpower to cause shock among the other teams.
Tough to Beat
All the players in the Porto team are great characters. No matter which team they play against, the players will always give their all. The team is surely capable of causing distress among the Liverpool members. Beating the Portuguese side will surely be a tough job for Klopp and his men. Liverpool have struggled this season in scoring goals against strong defensive oppositions. Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino need to be in their top form in order to score goals against the strong Porto defence.
Last year Liverpool played Porto in the round of 16 and their job was already done and dusted in the first leg itself. A Sadio Mane hat trick in a 5-0 thrashing ensured Porto’s Champions League hopes were over at Estádio do Dragão.
The Portuguese team will be determined to seek revenge against the Premier League side. Players like Eder Militao, Alex Telles and Felipe Augusto are in top form. They have also got some good experience in Pepe and Iker Casillas. The Porto side has got the potential to turn the sweet dreams of the Liverpool fans into a nightmare.
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