Last season was a pretty poor one by Porto standards, though much has changed at the Estádio do Dragão this season. The most notable change is the arrival of new coach Julen Lopetegui, who has led his side to five wins in his first six competitive matches, including a comfortable aggregate victory over Lille in the Champions League playoffs. They open their group stage campaign against Belarusian minnows BATE Borisov, and nothing less than a win will suffice.
Porto vs. BATE Borisov, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Porto play host to BATE in their 200th European Cup fixture on Wednesday.
Key player - Jackson Martínez (Porto)
Porto have managed to keep hold of their star striker, Jackson Martínez, despite interest from bigger clubs through the summer. The Colombian international has started the season outstandingly, having netted six goals in as many games so far. If BATE are to stand any chance of picking up a point or three, they need to be sure to keep the 27-year-old quiet.
Key matchup - BATE defensive shape vs. Porto’s attack
With the superior team and home advantage, Porto will surely dominate this match. Unsurprisingly, Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui has arrived with a footballing philosophy more based around control of possession than quick transitions, and as such, Porto will be happy to just keep the ball and wear BATE down. However, if the Belarusians can keep their defensive shape, they may well stand a chance of frustrating their more illustrious hosts.
Porto injuries and suspensions
Out: Óliver Torres (shoulder), Gonçalo Paciência (knee). In doubt: Alex Sandro, Cristian Tello (thigh).
BATE injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Porto will be without young attackers Óliver Torres and Gonçalo Paciência, and attacker Cristian Tello is expected to miss out with a thigh injury. However, the Brazilian international left-back Alex Sandro should return from a thigh problem to play. BATE haven’t reported any such issues.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal
TV: Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), Sport TV1 (Portugal), Belarus 2 (Belarus)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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