FC Porto – Barcelona : Preview & Prediction
With a 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg) in the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), FC Porto faces its first home match in the current group stage, after losing the derby in Lisbon (SL Benfica 1-0 FCP, 68′ Di María) last Friday. The Dragons suffered the early dismissal of Fábio Cardoso and left da Luz empty-handed, dropping to third place in the Portuguese League, two and three points behind Benfica (2nd) and Sporting CP (leaders), respectively.
This Wednesday, Porto has the opportunity to make up for its second defeat against Benfica in the current campaign and move to the top of Group H, which would be a big step towards its second consecutive qualification for the UCL play-offs. The Dragons, who are on a run of three unbeaten home games in the competition – having kept two clean sheets – are looking to beat FC Barcelona in the UCL/European Cup for the second time since their first meeting in 1985 (FCP: G1, P4).
The most recent clash between the two clubs dates back to August 2011 (UEFA Super Cup, FCB 2-0 FCP). Xavi Hernandez was then the lighthouse in midfield for Barça and, more than 12 years later, the azulgrana legend will be celebrating his 100th match against Porto as coach of the Barcelona giants. His time in the Barça dugout has been full of ups and downs, but a good start to the season has the Barça fans dreaming of new titles.
Barça have now gone nine games unbeaten in the current season (G7, E2), a run that includes a one-sided win over Royal Antwerp on the first day of the UCL. The Azulgrana have scored 24 goals in their last eight matches. Xavi’s side have been held to draws on two occasions, albeit both away, and it remains to be seen how reliable the Culés will be on the road in the UCL this season after losing three of their last four outings in the competition (G1, P3).
Key battle: Watch out for the duel between Galeno and João Félix (ex-Benfica), two players who scored braces on the first day of the UCL. Three of their four goals between them (one assist each) this season came before the break.
Key stat: Barcelona have failed to score in four of their last six away games in the UCL.
FC Porto – Barcelona : Betting Tips
Barcelona – Win Odds: 2.25
