Porto vs. Shakhtar Preview (What To Know Before Betting)

Porto vs. Shakhtar

A high-stakes winner-takes-all encounter awaits in Champions League Group H at the Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday evening, as second-placed Porto hosts third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk, vying for a spot in the last 16.

With both teams tied at nine points, the hosts hold the advantage in the qualification race due to their matchday one victory over the Ukrainian side. The outcome of this pivotal clash will determine which team progresses to the knockout stage.

Porto, with only one loss in their last six Champions League group-stage campaigns, faces a straightforward task on Wednesday evening. To secure their place in the next stage and thwart Shakhtar’s Champions League aspirations, Sergio Conceicao’s men simply need to avoid defeat.

Porto vs. Shakhtar

In their recent outing, Porto was poised to disrupt Barcelona’s qualification celebration, with Brazilian attacker Pepe breaking the deadlock. However, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix orchestrated a turnaround, handing Porto a 2-1 loss at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

What to remember – Porto vs. Shakhtar

Despite Shakhtar’s recent defensive prowess, their desperation for a first-ever win over Porto might lead them to deviate from their defensive principles on Wednesday. Porto, historically having an edge over the visitors, could see their defense breached.

As Shakhtar pushes forward, Porto’s attacking lineup has the potential to capitalize on counter-attacks, securing a path to the last 16 and compelling the visitors to accept a demotion to the Europa League. The dynamics of the match suggest the potential for an intriguing tactical battle.

Betting tip for Porto vs. Shakhtar

Our expert tipster partners anticipate that there will be less than 3.5 goals in this match.