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Today the Champions League semi-final second leg matches will be played. Edgaras Jankauskas' club "Porto" will play against La Coruna's "Deportivo" away. The first meeting of the teams in Portugal ended goalless.
Kick-off at 21:45 Lithuanian time (Live broadcast from 21:35 on TangoTV)
For these neighboring countries' clubs, this will be one of the most important matches in their history. "Deportivo" will seek to reach the Champions League final for the first time, while "Porto" aims to repeat their triumph of 1987.
The "Riazor" stadium is one of the venues where "SuperDepor's" opponents should be cautious this season. La Coruna's team won all six Champions League matches at this arena this season, including the famous 4-0 victory over Milan. However, "Porto's" away performance is also impressive - they have not yet been defeated there, even against teams like Real or Man Utd.
After goalless draws in Portugal, the Spaniards should be considered favorites, but they lack an away goal, which is often crucial. "Porto" can now use this factor, and if they score, the situation for "Deportivo" would be very difficult, as they would need to score twice. If neither team manages to score, the winner will be decided in extra time or even penalties.
"Deportivo" played defensive football in the first leg, and now their coach Javier Irureta understands that his team will need to threaten the opponent's goal more this time: "Circumstances make it necessary - we must score if we want to reach the final. Both teams have the same goal, so we will see different matches than those in Porto."
However, "Depor's" defensive task has become more difficult - their suspended defensive midfielder Mauro Silva and defender Jorge Andrade will not be able to help the team. The first will miss the match due to a second yellow card, while the second was sent off in the first leg for fouling an opponent. These two players will likely be replaced by Aldo Duscher and Cesar, respectively.
Meanwhile, "Porto" has no injury or suspension problems and even the opposite - Brazilian Derlei has recovered after a four-month break. "Ninja," as this forward is nicknamed, made a significant contribution to the club's UEFA Cup victory last season and also scored goals successfully at the beginning of this season before suffering a serious injury. However, he should start the match from the bench, as "Porto" coach Jose Mourinho does not want to make changes to his starting lineup: "It's not hard to guess the system we will play. We have used the same players throughout the tournament, and they have played well, so we will practically be the same as always."
For football fans from Lithuania, it is undoubtedly interesting if Lithuanian Edgaras Jankauskas will play. His chances of starting the match are practically zero, as either Carlos Alberto or Derlei will play in the attacking line next to Benni McCarthy. But if "Porto" fails to score and Mourinho needs to strengthen the attack, Jankauskas should appear on the field. The other two forwards were not registered for the match.
Possible starting lineups:
"Deportivo" (4-3-1-2): Molina; Manuel Pablo, Naybet, Cesar, Romero; Victor, Duscher, Sergio, Luque; Valeron; Pandiani.
"Porto" (4-4-2): Baia; P.Ferreira, J.Costa, Carvalho, Valente; Costinha, Maniche, Alenichev, Deco; Carlos Alberto, McCarthy.
