“Porto vs. Shakhtar Showdown: Champions League Drama Unveiled! Can Porto Secure Last 16?
A thrilling winner-takes-all clash awaits at the Porto vs. Shakhtar Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday, as second-placed Porto welcomes third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk for a decisive encounter in Champions League Group H, determining who secures a spot in the last 16.
Both teams are level on points with nine each, but Porto holds the advantage due to their victory over Shakhtar on matchday one. For Porto, a simple task awaits – avoid defeat to secure qualification at the expense of Shakhtar’s Champions League aspirations.
Porto vs. Shakhtar
Porto’s recent European journey saw them narrowly lose to Barcelona, but their earlier triumph against Shakhtar positions them favorably. A draw at home this week would be sufficient for Porto to progress as runners-up to Barcelona.
Having missed the last 16 only in the 2021-22 season, Porto aims to continue its impressive home form. Their recent victory over Casa Pia in Primeira Liga adds to the optimism, with veteran Pepe contributing to the scoresheet.
Shakhtar faces a must-win situation, with a point not enough to extend their Champions League campaign. Although they secured a vital victory over Royal Antwerp in their last outing, they face an uphill battle against Porto, against whom they’ve never won in seven previous attempts.
Porto’s recent form in Champions League and all competitions stands at WLWWL and WWLWLW, respectively, while Shakhtar’s Champions League and overall form is recorded as LWLWW and WLDWWW.
In terms of team news, Porto may miss midfielder Ivan Jaime due to a leg injury, but key players like Pepe and Galeno are expected to feature. For Shakhtar, Lassina Traore and Ivan Petryak are sidelined, and Danylo Sikan shoulders the striking responsibility.
The potential starting lineups are projected as follows:
Porto: Costa; Mario, Pepe, Cardoso, Sanusi; Pepe, Varela, Eustaquio, Galeno; Taremi, Evanilson
Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk; Gocholeishvili, Bondar, Matvienko, Azarovi; Stepanenko, Bondarenko; Zubkov, Sudakov, Newerton; Sikan
In the prediction, a 2-1 victory is anticipated for Porto, banking on their historical dominance over Shakhtar and the potential for counter-attacks against a forward-pushing Ukrainian side.
