Champions League: Porto v Malaga match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Champions League fixture at the Estadio do Dragao

James Legge Author Biography

James Legge

James Legge is a member of The Independent's online editorial team

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Tuesday 19 February 2013

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Porto are the firm favourites in this match-up, and will hope to take an unassailable lead to Spain for the second-leg.

But don't expect any goals of the season from Mourinho's old team - the Portuguese champions haven't scored from outside the box in this season's tournament.

Malaga boast three Hispanic favourites in the twilight of their careers: Javier Saviola; Roque Santa Cruz; and Joaquin (combined age of 93,) though the chances of all three getting a start tonight are slim.

Malaga's highly-coveted top scorer Isco is in good form domestically, having scored four in his last four games. Eliseu and Jackson Martinez are Malaga's and Porto's top Champions League scorers respectively, both tied on three.

 

KICK-OFF: 7.45pm

 

PAST TWO MEETINGS...

Teams have never played before

 

STATS...

Porto are unbeaten in their last 19 home games

They have only lost one game in any competition all season. That was a 2-1 defeat away to Paris St Germain in the group stage

Malaga have scored in 13 of their last 14 games

They kept clean sheets in their first five Champions League games this season, but have conceded five in the three since

They remain unbeaten in the competition

 

ODDS...

Porto to win: 1.84

Malaga to win: 5.2

Draw: 3.7

 

TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.45pm

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