Barcelona have a very good record against Porto
For the first time in a decade, four English teams have progressed to the quarter-final stage of the Champions League. But Barcelona should be hoping to not come up against any of them. Rather, the club should hope to be drawn against Porto.
Porto are having a good season, and lie in the 2nd spot in the Primeira Liga. The Portuguese giants depend on their stellar defensive displays and try to score goals through set-pieces. In fact, Porto have conceded the least number of goals in the league this season.
New addition Pepe has strengthened one of the best defences in Europe, while Éder Militão, Felipe, Alex Telles and Maxi Pereira have excelled throughout the season. But Porto’s attack is lacking, with top scorer Tiquinho Soares netting just 10 goals this season.
On the other hand, Barça’s defensive performances have improved massively recently. That could nullify the threat posed by the likes of Moussa Marega, Yacine Brahimi and Otávio. But most importantly, Barça have history on their side.
In 8 matches between the two sides, Barça have won 5. Two of Porto’s three victories came 47 years ago, in the UEFA Cup. The one other win was useless as Barça knocked Porto out of the European Cup in the round of 16 on away goals.
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The last time the two clubs met, Barça registered an easy 2-0 victory. Fredy Guarín and Rolando were sent off, as Lionel Messi and Cesc Fàbregas got on to the scoresheet to lead Barça to their 4th UEFA Super Cup title.
Moreover, Porto have been inconsistent since their 18-match win streak ended. Recently, they lost to bitter rivals Benfica and were also defeated in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 by Roma. While they would not be the ideal opposition, they do come close.
All the other clubs in the quarter-finals have the capacity to eliminate Barça. Cristiano Ronaldo is in trailblazing form for Juventus, while Manchester United made an unlikely comeback against an in-form Paris Saint-Germain side.
Ajax have firmly established their reputation as giant-killers, after going unbeaten in a group with Bayern Munich and thrashing defending champions Real Madrid 4-1 in the last 16. Manchester City just annihilated Schalke 7-0 after making a comeback from 2-0 down in the first leg.
Liverpool were last season’s finalists, and have eliminated 5-time winners Bayern. Tottenham scraped past Borussia Dortmund, but they were impressive against Barça in the group-stages.