Porto take on the visitors Arsenal in the first leg of UEFA Champions League 1/8-finals. The match will be played on Wednesday, February 21st at Estádio do Dragão (Porto).
Porto can only salvage the season in European competitions. The Dragons are perhaps the most successful club in their country. They have victories in international tournaments, primarily in the Champions League, with notable success under the young Jose Mourinho. They've also had plenty of success domestically. In recent years, they've strictly alternated Primeira Liga victories every other season. However, by allowing Benfica to surpass them in 2023, they not only lost their position but also conceded to Sporting. Undoubtedly, the fight will continue until the last round, but the situation is unpleasant. Essentially, the last window of opportunity for them to shine remains in the Champions League. They managed to secure the expected second spot – below Barcelona, against whom they showed nothing, but they maximized points against underdogs, including Donetsk's Shakhtar, whom they beat 5-3 in the decisive match.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Arsenal had been gradually sliding out of the top quartet since Arsène Wenger's last years and couldn't make a comeback. This unpleasant period ended only in the last season. Moreover, Zinchenko and his team secured the second spot; furthermore, they led the Premier League until mid-spring. In the new cycle, with good reinforcement last summer, led by Rice, the capital team generally maintains its positions, remaining in the leading group. They recently defeated Liverpool. Moreover, by winning the FA Community Shield (on penalties against Manchester City), despite being eliminated from both major national cup tournaments, the team successfully returned to the Champions League. Despite the setback against the old opponent, Lance, the British team predictably won their group. But now, serious tests begin for Mikel Arteta's charges.
In 2006 and 2008, the teams played in the group stages of the Champions League. And the Gunners won twice with a single defeat. In 2010, the teams crossed paths in the playoffs, and despite a minimal loss away, the Englishmen defeated the Dragons at home. The Red-Whites will be the favorites even away. However, Sergio Conceição's charges will fight fiercely at home, so it's worth considering the option with total over 2.5 goals scored.
Prediction for the match: Over 2.5 scored goals.
