Bayern Munich vs FC Porto preview

April 20, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Bayern vs PortoOne of the tournament favourites are on the verge of elimination and it remains to be seen whether they can overturn a two-goal deficit to reach the last four.

FC Porto did a tremendous job to win the first leg 3-1, but they are well aware of the size of the task in front of them nonetheless.

Bayern Munich faced serious selection problems ahead of the match at Estadio do Dragao, but Pep Guardiola was still able to field a very strong squad in the first leg.

Nevertheless, the Bavarians were far from impressive on the night and in the end paid a heavy price for a succession of defensive mistakes.

The weekend’s 2-0 triumph over Hoffenheim did help raise the players’ spirits, while Guardiola was able to rest some important players despite not having a big squad to begin with.

Full-back Juan Bernat was forced to withdraw through an ankle injury, but he is expected to start against FC Porto as the problem is not too serious.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is another important player that is back in contention, but the likes of Robben, Ribery, Martinez, Benatia and Starke continue to miss out.

In spite of the two-goal deficit, Bayern can be backed at 2.00 (1/1) with bet365 to make it to the Champions League semi-finals.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-1-2): Neuer – Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber, Bernat – Lahm, Alonso, Thiago – Gotze – Lewandowski, Muller.

Two-time Champions League winners have been regular in Europe’s elite competition over the last few years, but this is the first time in quite a while that they have a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals.

A place in the last four would be nothing less than Julen Lopetegui’s men deserved for a string of impressive performances, with the 3-1 victory over star-studded Bayern without a doubt the highlight of the campaign.

Porto head into the return leg in excellent spirits having won four straight matches on all fronts and they are now priced at 2.00 (1/1) to qualify.

Julen Lopetegui took no chances as he rested the entire starting line-up at the weekend, with the second string side doing well to defeat Academica.

Casemiro has recovered from a thigh problem and he will start, but Cristian Tello is out injured and Adrian Lopez is not registered.

Coach Lopetegui faces serious problems at the back seeing as starting full-backs Danilo Luiz and Alex Sandro are both suspended.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Fabiano – Maicon, Reyes, Marcano, Martins Indi – Herrera, Casemiro, Torres – Quaresma, Martinez, Brahimi.

We Highly Recommend These Places
Share your Opinion!