Arsenal target among 5 reasons why Porto can beat Bayern
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Rank outsiders for victory, despite boasting home advantage in the first leg, many have already written FC Porto off as they prepare to meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
But with an impressive squad at their disposal and the Pep Guardiola-like Julen Lopetegui at the helm and bringing a Spanish flavour to proceedings, Porto could yet surprise a few people in the first leg at least.
With that in mind, we’ve put our heads together to come up with five reasons why you may want to consider backing a home win for the Portuguese outfit.
1. Porto’s form at Estadio Do Dragao
Since losing 2-0 at home to bitter title rivals Benfica back in December of last year, Porto have gone on a sensational run at home in all competitions, winning a grand total of 10 games on the bounce.
Along the way they have scored a grand total of 32 goals and conceded just twice, while they are now just three points off their Lisbon rivals in the Portuguese title race. Bayern beware.
2. Bayern Munich’s Gladbach slip-up
The Bavarians may be closing in on yet another Bundesliga crown, but there have been a few hiccups since the turn of the year, starting with a 4-1 defeat away to nearest challengers Wolfsburg.
Schalke then held them to a draw at the Allianz while Shakhtar Donetsk drew 0-0 with the Germans in Ukraine. The most recent slip up saw them lose 2-0 at home to Borussia Monchengladbach with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer guilty of an absolute clanger.
3. History could repeat itself for Porto
Bayern Munich fans may still be scarred by memories of Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League comeback but it’s not the first time the Bavarians have managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Back in 1987 the German giants were on course to win the European Cup, winning 1-0 against Porto before Rabah Madjer inspired a three-minute turnaround with a goal and another assist.
Having seen Bayern crumble against Chelsea on the big stage in recent times, Porto can be optimistic about their chances.
4. Algerian star out to emulate hero
Madjer’s star turn all those years ago went some way to cementing the striker’s status as arguably one of the finest Algerian footballers of all time, but the current Porto squad boasts at least one man who will be looking to earn a name alongside him in the history books.
Yacine Brahimi has already made quite an impact in this season’s Champions League, scoring five goals in just seven outings in the competition so far this term.
Having already been linked with a move to Arsenal, a goal against Bayern could see the attacking midfielder head to the Premier League in the not too distant future.
5. Bavarians have suffered a key injury
Though on the face of it, Pep Guardiola has a sensational squad at his disposal, the loss of Austrian defender David Alaba through injury is a hammer blow to his team’s chances.
The true embodiment of all the manager’s footballing philosophies at the club, the 22-year-old is quick, agile and able to provide support going forward.
Without his pace and work-rate others like Dante – one of the big culprits from Brazil’s 7-1 defeat to Germany – could suffer a torrid evening against Brahimi and his cohorts.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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