Arsenal are heavy favourites to triumph in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, but Mikel Arteta is right not to let his side take Porto lightly.
Arsenal have never won in Porto in their previous three visits and the Estadio do Dragao is traditionally a position to go.
Porto finished on point after problems with Group H winners Barcelona but qualified in second place due to a worse record against the Spanish champions. Barca have beaten Porto twice, but they were 2-1 and 1-0 victories.
“I’m inspired by Porto, I know the coach and his history very well,” Arteta said.
“They really enjoy competition, they have a lot of quality in many phases of the game, that’s why they are competitive in European competitions. “
There are some familiar faces in this Porto team, including centre-back Pepe, who is still active at the age of 40.
Given Bukayo Saka’s excellent form lately, with the winger scoring six goals in his last four games, Arsenal will be keen to take their chances.
Porto, however, have an impressive defensive record. They have the second-best defence in the Portuguese top flight this season, having conceded just 16 times in 22 games.
In attack, his risk comes from winger Galeno. Signed in January 2022 following the sale of Luis Diaz to Liverpool, the 26-year-old Brazilian has swept the Champions League.
He contributed 8 goals at an organizational level (4 goals and 4 assists), more than any player in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal will have to keep the left winger quiet, but Porto also pose a risk thanks to Evanilson and Pepe.
Forward Evanilson has been in impressive form since the start of the year, scoring five goals in his last seven games.
He is set to join the Brazil squad and could make his debut against England next month.
After first betting on Porto’s two more sensible players, he established himself as the only striker in the team.
Manchester United were interested in the 24-year-old last summer and are expected to make a significant move in the future.
Behind him, Pepe stuck out his eye. The 26-year-old has called himself up as a winger and has been used as a number 10 this season.
His performances have earned him links with Premier League side Arsenal, and in November last year he made his debut for Brazil.
Pepe is a dangerous dribbler, with his low center of gravity and quick feet making him difficult to contain.
Porto coach Sergio Conceicao used him in the middle, but he had the right to leave.
MORE ABOUT