The first leg of this Champions League quarterfinal tie saw one of the most shocking upsets of the tournament so far when Porto didn’t just beat Bayern, they outplayed them and even dominated them at times. It was a completely unexpected result and left Bayern reeling to the tune of a 3-1 loss that they now must overturn at home in the second leg.
Bayern Munich vs. FC Porto, Champions League 2015: Start time, TV schedule and team news
Porto shocked the world last week when they took a 3-1 lead in this tie, but can they possibly hold on and knock Bayern out of the Champions League?
Make no mistake, though, the job isn’t anywhere near done for Porto yet. They’re going to have a heck of a time scoring in the Allianz Arena, and they must in order to offset Bayern’s away goal from the first leg. With Bayern likely to be much more focused and prepared for what Porto will throw at them, they will have to play at a higher level than ever before in order to hold off the German titans and make the semifinals.
Key player - Hector Herrera (Porto)
Herrera is the beating heart of Porto’s pressing assault, which was so key to their shock win a week ago. If he can drive his midfield to similar results, Porto might be able to keep Bayern far enough off balance to pull it off again. Given the success he had with the tactic in the first leg, expect to see Herrera bearing down on Xabi Alonso quite frequently if Pep Guardiola decides to employ the Spaniard once more.
Key Matchup - Rafinha (Bayern Munich) vs. Yacine Brahimi (Porto)
Brahimi is one of Porto’s most important players, capable of acting as a playmaker or as a wide forward with equal aplomb. He’s going to be highly influential to the outcome of this match, and it’s going to be up to Rafinha to try and keep him at bay. If the Bayern right back is up to the task, Porto will be left partly hamstrung in attack.
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: David Alaba (knee), Mehdi Benatia (hamstring), Arjen Robben (hip), Tom Starke (ankle), Javi Martinez (knee) In doubt: Bastian Schweinsteiger (ankle), Franck Ribery (ankle), Juan Bernat (ankle)
FC Porto injuries and suspensions
Out: Alex Sandro (suspended), Danilo (suspended) In doubt: Jackson Martinez (groin), Cristian Tello (thigh)
Porto are without both of their excellent fullbacks, which will make their defense’s job significantly harder against Bayern’s high-octane attack. Bayern are still dealing with a significant injury crisis, with six starters either out or in doubt. They have quite a bit of depth to fall back on, though, and their injury-depleted starting lineup will still be better than most team’s full-strength starting XI.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S. - English), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sport 1/HD, Sky Sport 2/HD (Germany), TVI (Portugal), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2GO (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go Deutschland (Germany), Sky Go (U.K.)
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