FC Barcelona and FC Porto are both looking to earn back-to-back wins in the Champions League, when they meet for their second group stage match. Barcelona have been dominant during their first match in the group stage, as they have a 5-0 win against Antwerp. As for Porto, they are from a 3-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk on their previous match. In the European stage, these two teams already played five matches, and Barcelona have more wins. They won four of those matches, while Porto only won once match, but are now looking to add another win. Barcelona and Porto are both eager to keep their momentum going, seeking for a win here. This match is on October 5, 202,23 at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
FC Barcelona
Barcelona has been unfazed by playing on unfamiliar territory this season, as they defeated Belgium’s Royal Antwerp 5-0 in a 5-0 win. Joao Felix, Gavi, and Jelle Bataille contributed to the visitors’ downfall, securing their position at the top of the group early. In the La Liga match against Sevilla, Sergio Ramos scored a goal with Lamine Yamal’s cross, bringing the holders all three points, one point behind Real Madrid. With seven wins from their last eight contests, Barca aims to improve their record of just two wins from their last seven Champions League away matches. The head-to-head record is favorable for Xavi’s charges. Barcelona has prevailed in each of their last four meetings with Porto, but it has been over 12 years since the last competitive fixture, with La Blaugrana triumphing 2-0 in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup.
Raphinha is unavailable in this match, as he is still suffering from a hamstring injury, and is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri both remain to be unavailable here, as they are still suffering from their injuries.
FC Porto
Porto faced Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg, where a crowd of 46,000 attended the match. The match saw four goals scored within 30 minutes of kickoff, with Shakhtar only regaining the lead after two minutes. Porto, currently in second place in Group H, had their first Champions League victory and a 2-1 Primeira Liga win against Gil Vicente. However, their seven-game unbeaten streak ended in a 2-1 defeat against Benfica. The defeat marked a first reverse for Porto, who also lost 2-0 to the Eagles in the Super Cup. The hosts have an 11-game unbeaten home run to protect. Porto has won three Champions League matches at the Estadio do Dragao without defeat, but they are still waiting for their first home clean sheet of the season. Barcelona capitalized on defensive frailties on matchday one, securing a crucial win for Porto.
Pepe is unavailable for Porto, as he is nursing a muscular problem going into this match. Ivan Marcano, Evanilson, Gabriel Veron, and Zaidu Sansusi, are all out here as well due to their injuries.
Prediction:
FC Barcelona (2.0)
Odds: -0.89
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