José Mourinho returns to the club at which he first lifted the Champions League on Tuesday, albeit as the manager of the visiting side. Portuguese domestic runners-up Porto play host to Mourinho’s Chelsea, looking to build upon the promising performances that saw them make a run to the quarterfinals of this competition last year. They’re not a European giant but they aren’t short on talent, and they’ll certainly be expecting to make this a difficult game for the Premier League champions.
Chelsea vs. Porto, Champions League 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
José Mourinho returns to Porto as Chelsea manager in their Champions League clash on Tuesday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are still reeling from a difficult start to the English domestic season. Their 2-2 draw against struggling Newcastle United on the weekend left the Blues down in 15th place, with Mourinho’s men having only picked up eight points from their first seven games. They’ve already got a big mountain to climb if they’re to defend their title, and will be looking to use these early Champions League games to pick up some much-needed morale-boosting victories.
Upset potential: High
There's every chance we could see a surprise at the Dragão in this match. As Porto's home victory against Bayern proved last season, coach Julen Lopetegui has turned them into a very well-organised unit, both on the ball and off it. That, combined with Chelsea's recent struggles in the league, suggests that we could well see an upset on Tuesday. Watch this space.
Recent history
Games between Porto and Chelsea have always been close, but it’s generally the English side who’ve got the better of things. These sides have met six times since their first ever clash at Stamford Bridge in 2004. In that time, Chelsea have won four, drawn one and lost one, and only once has there been a winning margin of more than a single goal (that coming when in their very first meeting in September 2004, when the Blues won 3-1. It was one of Mourinho’s first games as Chelsea manager).
FC Porto injuries and suspensions
Out: André Silva (ankle). In doubt: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Thibaut Courtois (knee). In doubt: None.
Both sides almost have full-strength teams to choose from: Porto are only expected to be without young striker André Silva, while Chelsea’s only confirmed absentee is Courtois.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal
TV: Fox Sports regional networks (U.S. - English), Fox Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), beIN Sports (Canada), BT Sport Europe (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), beIN Sports Connect (Canada), BT Sport Live Streaming (U.K.)
See More:
