Porto started their Champions League campaign with a superb 6-0 rout of BATE, though they face a much tougher test in their second match of the group stages. They travel to Ukraine to play domestic champions Shakhtar Donetsk, who established their credentials with a goalless draw away at the tough Athletic Bilbao in their opening Champions League game of the season.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. FC Porto, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Team news and game preview
Porto will be looking to record their second consecutive Champions League win away at Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
Getty Images
Shakhtar’s early season preparations may have been disrupted by violence in the east of Ukraine -- which eventually forced the club to move all the way to Lviv in the west -- though they’re clearly still a very good team. The league game they lost to Zorya last weekend was their first defeat of the domestic season, and they have more than enough quality to give Porto a run for their money.
Key player - Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
Porto’s tricky Algerian playmaker Yacine Brahimi only joined the club in the summer, though he’s already having a big impact. He netted a hat-trick in the club’s rout against BATE, and he’ll pose the biggest threat to Shakhtar’s defence in Tuesday’s Champions League game. He usually starts on the left of coach Julen Lopetegui’s 4-3-3, though he drifts infield, posing a threat with his excellent dribbling and fine passing. Keeping him quiet won’t be easy.
Key matchup - Jackson Martínez vs. the Shakhtar centre-backs
Unfortunately for Shakhtar, it’s not just Brahimi they have to pay special attention to -- they will have to watch Porto’s star striker Jackson Martínez just as closely. Porto kept hold of their Colombian strike star in the summer against all odds, and he’s hit some scintillating form once again so far this season. He’s so far scored five goals in six league games, and will pose a real threat to the Ukrainian centre-backs.
Shakhtar Donetsk injuries and suspensions
Out: Serhiy Kryvtsov (ankle). In doubt: Oleksandr Kucher (unspecified).
Porto injuries and suspensions
Out: Casemiro (ankle). In doubt: None.
Shakhtar will certainly be without Serhiy Kryvtsov though his defensive counterpart Oleksandr Kucher could be available. Porto won’t have Real Madrid loan star Casemiro available, as he’s been ruled out with an ankle problem.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 9:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
TV: Fox Soccer Plus, Directv (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.), 2+2 (Ukraine), Sport TV1 (Portugal)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go, ESPN3 Online-App (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
