Not long ago, this would be a UCL candy for the neutral football fans on Wednesday nights. Porto and Olympique Lyon had been household names in the Champions League. Still, now, these two will have to settle with the second-best European competition as they collide in the UEFA Europa League 1/8 finals first leg.Sergio: “We’ve analyzed and studied Lyon, they have 2 capable strikers and they’re not the same team we saw in pre-season but we’re going to try and expose some defensive fragilities.” #FCPorto #SomosPorto #UEL pic.twitter.com/jsdxqbOVLA— Portista (@FCPortoGlobal) March 8, 2022 The Portuguese giants started this season in the UCL but had fallen to UEL after finishing the group stage in third place. On the other hand, Lyon have started this campaign in the UEL and still haven’t felt the taste of defeat. Five victories and a single draw launch them to the top of the log, ahead of Glasgow Rangers, Sparta Praha and Brondby. However, Porto is a whole another challenge for the ninth Ligue 1 slot.The Lyon RevenantsBack in 2004, Porto and Lyon faced each other in the UCL last-8 round. Jose Mourinho’s outfit won 4-2 on aggregate and continued their outstanding pursuit for the Champions League crown.Don’t be surprised to see the same number of goals tonight, this time in a single game, as both teams are more than potent in the offence.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – 1/8 FINALSWednesday20.45: (2.00) Porto (3.60) Olympique Lyon (4.00)20.45: (2.05) Betis (3.60) Eintr.Frankfurt (3.80)Thursday20.45: (2.15) Sevilla (3.25) West Ham (3.90)23.00: (1.80) Rangers (3.60) Crvena Zvezda (5.10)23.00: (3.00) Braga (3.15) Monaco (2.65)23.00: (2.05) Atalanta (3.60) Leverkusen (3.80)23.00: (1.15) Barcelona (9.00) Galatasaray (22.0)
