Ace Football previews the Champions League match between Juventus and Porto, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Turin plays host to the second and final leg of the Champions League last-16 tie between Juventus and FC Porto on Tuesday night.
The advantage lies with the visitors, having won the first leg 2-1 back in Portugal on February 17. Due to an away goal, however, Juventus are far from out in this one. If the hosts can score at least once, Porto must respond or else bid their European hopes goodbye.
It sets up an exhilarating affair as the champions of Italy and Portugal vie for a quarter-final spot. Juventus are formidable foes at home, with a fired-up Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks. But, as things stand on aggregate, it’s Porto who hold the edge.
Juventus Form & Stats
The Bianconeri looked dead and buried in the first leg until Federico Chiesa’s goal offered a lifeline. That away goal in Portugal could make all the difference, with only a single goal in Turin needed if Porto cannot score. If the Portuguese side find the back of the net, however, Juventus will need to win by a two-goal advantage at least.
An early goal, therefore, would be the ideal scenario for Andrea Pirlo’s men. That way they can dictate the game in Turin, leaving Porto exposed and with no other alternative but to attack.
All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference. The five-time Champions League winner thrives in the big moments and has scored seven of the club’s eight knockout stage goals since his arrival in 2018. Taking a rare rest in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Lazio should also leave him in top shape.
This match is arguably make-or-break moment for the club’s campaign. Inconsistency has been a problem under rookie coach Pirlo, and the pressure is on to deliver. That said, Juventus’ home record and improved defense is a good sign for Tuesday.
Key Team Stats
- Won to nil in 6 of their last 8 home games in all competitions.
- Won their last 2 home Champions League games against Porto.
- Only lost 2 of their last 12 Champions League knockout stage games at home (W8 D2).
- Been knocked out in 5 of their last 6 Champions League knockout stage ties after losing the first leg.
- Over 2.5 goals scored in their last 5 Champions League games.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in 10 home games for Juventus in the Champions League.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 7 of Juventus’ 8 knockout-stage goals since 2018/19.
- Alvaro Morata has scored a club-best of 6 goals in 7 Champions League games.
FC Porto Form & Stats
Mehdi Taremi and Moussa Marega were the goalscorers as Porto bagged a famous 2-1 win over Juventus in the first leg. It was their first-ever victory over the Italian giants, only their second win in 10 knockout-stage matches (D2 L7), and left them to pole position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The 29-time Portuguese champions are in the thick of another title battle in the Primeira Liga. A 2-0 win at Gil Vicente on Saturday kept them within six points of leaders Sporting CP and extended their 16-match unbeaten run in the league (W11 D5).
And while Sporting Braga recently knocked Porto out of the Portuguese Cup semi-finals, the Dragons have done superb in the Champions League. Sergio Conceicao changes his tactics for Europe, preferring his side to play deep with a robust and no-nonsense style of defending – a Jose Mourinho classic in some ways.
It may not be prettiest tactic, but Porto are unbeaten in their last six Champions League games (W5 D1).
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in their last 6 Champions League games (W5 D1).
- Won 4 of their last 8 away domestic games (D3 L1).
- Failed to win any of their last 13 Champions League knockout stage games away from home (D4 L9).
- Beaten Juventus only once in 6 meetings in Europe (D1 L4).
Team News
Juventus
Out: Danilo, Rodrigo Bentancur.
Doubts: Paulo Dybala, Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt.
FC Porto
Out: Chancel Mbemba, Mouhamed Mbaye.
Doubts: Ivan Marcano.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Champions League
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in Champions League.
Betting Tips
More Odds
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