FC Porto vs FC Barcelona Champions League Match Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction
Both heavyweights of Group H, FC Porto and FC Barcelona, will go toe-to-toe against each other on matchday 2 of the Champions League at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday.
Porto were able to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the opening matchday, whereas Barcelona managed to thump Royal Antwerp 5-0.
The Portuguese side sit second in Group H after their win against Shakhtar Donetsk. However, their seven-game unbeaten streak came to an end on Friday against Benfica. World Cup winner Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game.
Nevertheless, they have a 11-game unbeaten run at home to protect on Wednesday evening. Moreover, Porto have also navigated their last three Champions League matches at the Estadio do Dragao without suffering defeat.
But, they are still waiting for their first home clean sheet of the season.
Barcelona started their Champions League campaign against Royal Antwerp in the exact way that Xavi would’ve liked.
However, the Catalan giants suffered against Sevilla at the weekend, but in the second half Sergio Ramos bundled Lamine Yamal’s cross into his own net to gift the hosts all three points.
Nevertheless, their form in recent matches against Mallorca and Celta Vigo was also not that good. Furthermore, they have recorded two wins in the last seven Champions League away games.
The Catalan giants have won all four matches against Porto, but it has been over 12 years since the two sides last locked horns in a competitive fixture. Barcelona managed to beat Porto 2-0 in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas.
Porto team news
For Porto, ex-Real Madrid defender Pepe is a major doubt for Wednesday’s affair. Whereas Evanilson, Gabriel Veron, and Zaidu Sanusi represent another handful of injury concerns for Conceicao’s side.
Galeno, who contributed to all three of his side’s goals against Shakhtar will start for them. Romario Baro will hope for another chance to impress after being sacrificed for an extra defender after just 25 minutes against Benfica.
Barcelona team news
Brazilian winger Raphinha pulled his hamstring against Sevilla at the weekend and will be out for a month. Midfield duo Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will also miss the clash.
Lamine Yamal, who just signed his new contract until 2026, will get the notch to start alongside Lewandowski and Felix. Oriol Romeu and Ronald Araujo could also return to the starting line-up.
FC Porto vs FC Barcelona Predicted line-ups
FC Porto (4-2-3-1): Costa; Mario, Cardoso, Carmo, Wendell; Eustaquio, Varela; Franco, Jaime, Galeno; Taremi
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Kounde, Araujo, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
Prediction
FC Porto 1-2 Barcelona
For several years now, Barcelona have struggled away from home, and Porto can take advantage of that. Moreover, after their defeat against Benfica, a win against Barca will be huge for them.
Nevertheless, Xavi’s Barca are fearless and have better attackers up front so they will get the notch in this tricky match against Porto.
