Futebol Clube do Porto vs APOEL FC UEFA Champions League--Matchday 3--Group G Estádio do Dragão Wednesday, October 19, 2011 19:45 Kickoff in Portugal So after the international break and the cup-cake 8-0 win this past weekend, Porto should be well-rested and focused on winning this important match. Even though APOEL surprisingly lead the group standings right now, I see no reason to be intimidated--we beat these guys twice back in 2009-10, and should again look to take 6 points from them this time. --Guarin's 2-match ban from the red card he picked up vs Barcelona has expired, so VP should have all of his midfield options to choose from. Therefore, the only obvious concerns would be at RB and CF, with Fucile suspended (red card vs Zenit) and Walter not registered for the CL. But fortunately Sapunaru returned this past weekend and should be able to start at RB, while O Jogo reports that Kleber is back in training and expects to start up front. --If I was to predict a lineup, I'd go with: Helton; Sapu, Rolando, Ota, Alvaro; Fernando, Guarin, Moutinho; Hulk, Kleber, James. --APOEL lost at home this weekend in their domestic league, falling to 2nd place in the Cypriot league standings. Here's UEFA's page on them if anyone's curious: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/clubs/club=50118/index.html http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/clubs/club=50118/domestic/index.html
Here's our list of callups: GK: Helton and Bracali DF: Sapunaru, Rolando, Mangala, Otamendi and Alvaro MF: Fernando, Souza, Belluschi, Guarin, Defour and Moutinho FW: Hulk, Djalma, Kleber, Varela and James Rodriguez SUSPENDED: Fucile TECHNICAL DECISION: Maicon and Cristian Rodriguez NOT REGISTERED: Alex Sandro, Iturbe and Walter
«A vitória é fundamental» - Pinto da Costa http://abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=293475 Apoel can cause problems. but if we dont win their will b some real pressure on VP keepin his job.
No real surprises in our XI: Captain Helton Sapunaru-Rolando-Otamendi-Alvaro Fernando Guarin-Moutinho Hulk-Kleber-James Bench: Bracali, Mangala, Souza, Belluschi, Defour, Varela, Djalma.
Porto started strong, we had most of the possession in the first half. Hulk scored off a FK. Powered it into the corner. Apoel tied it up 6mins later with good counter. Our defence were caught watching and helton could have done better but credit to apoel Ailton's well placed shot. Lot of our attacks have ended with Hulk losing possession. Frustrating to watch. Apoel look good on the counter. Hopefully we improve in the second half! Not firing on all cylinders yet.
I've been watching. 1-1 was a disappointing HT score indeed. APOEL is showing us more than we thought they would. A tie is NOT an option in this match for us. WE NEED to win and I am comfortable we're going to pull this out.. keep you posted..
^ That was an awful call. Hulk has been flying all night. Besides his goal, has cut in many times with a fantastic left boot shot that's gone just wide a few times.
Terrible game. 7 Yellows. Freddy looks lost this season and was useless. Verela played well when he came on. We are in bad form, something has to give.
Wow, not good. I didn't watch the match so I'm not gonna make any rash statements, but VP will definitely be under pressure again.
I missed the game too but thankfully shaktar and zenit tied, so we are not in too bad of a position, but we got to up our game.
Bad form indeed. Guarin was useless. Moutinho was decent. Fernando did his job. This backline is bad and is prone to mistakes and giveaways. James was worthless today as well. Kleber was rarely seen besides a decent chance or too, nothing too serious. Hulk was our only fantastic player. Belluschi had no impact really when he came in. Varela looked pretty good. three games left and we're still in a decent position to qualify, but 4 points after 3 matches isn't how I envisioned this. If this form continues, we may not make it out. We only have one home game left and still travel to Cyprus & Ukraine.