FC Porto are the first opponent of Serhiy Rebrov’s men. Almost three years ago Kyivans faced this team within the Champions League, but Portuguese side squad has chanced significantly since then.
Transfers
After 2012/2013 season, when the White-Blues opposed the Dragons, Porto conducted 47 transfers – 20 players left the team and 27 joined it.
Before the start of current season 29 performers left and 27 came.
Newcomers one should pay special attention to are 22-year-old halfback Giannelli Imbula, 23-year-old supporting midfielder Danilo Pereira and 22-year-old Mexican striker Jesus Corona.
The latter scored brace in his debut match for Porto.
One more player the Dragons have signed is midfielder Andre Andre, who’s… the son of former Porto player Antonio Andre, who scored against Dynamo in 1986/1987 Champions’ Cup semifinal.
A lot of players joined Portuguese side in summer as free agents or on loan basis. Those are laterals Maxi Pereira and Miguel Layun, striker Silvestre Varela and of course famous keeper Iker Casillas.
Still during the summer break Porto also suffered serious losses. First of those are Jackson Martinez, Brazilian right back Danilo, Casemiro and Oliver Torres.
Juventus have signed Alex Sandro while Al-Hilal FC – Carlos Eduardo. Anyway it’s typical for Porto to sell leading performers.
Coach
This is Porto second season under the charge of 49-year-old Spanish specialist Julen Lopetegui. In May of 2014 he signed three-year contract with the Dragons.
This coach started his career in Rayo Vallecano. That start was a failure and he was fired. After that he worked as commentator.
Later Lopetegui worked with Real Madrid Castilla and Spain youth teams. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 he won European championships with Spanish youngsters.
Leading players
Though Porto have two experienced keepers, Iker Casillas is definitely #1.
The leading right back of the team is 31-year-old Maxi Pereira. Centre backs are 27-year-old Maicon and 28-year-old Ivan Marcano. Still Marcano is suspended, so Bruno Martins Indi can replace him.
Early in the season different performers took the position of left back, but it seems newcomer Miguel Layun will get the starting spot.
Key midfielders are Danilo Pereira, Andre Andre, Giannelli Imbula and Yacine Brahimi. The later usually plays as forward.
Leading striker of the team is Vincent Aboubakar. There are also several claimants upon the position of third forward, such as Silvestre Varela (injured) and Cristian Tello.
Lopetegui also has such finisher as Pablo Osvaldo. Still he’s known for his ill nature, so Spanish coach will probably use Jesus Corona.
Trophies and achievements
Porto aren’t the most titled club of the country in terms of the number of domestic league titles. The Dragons have 27 while Benfica – 34. Still Porto have more trophies on international arena.
Porto won the Champions’ Cup twice – in 1987 and in 2004 (after the competition was called Champions League).
Champions of Portugal – 27 times (last time – in 2013)
Portuguese Cup winners – 20 times (last time – in 2011)
Portuguese Super Cup winners – 20 times (last time – in 2013)
Champions’ Cup winners – twice (last time – in 2004)
UEFA Cup winners – twice (last time – in 2011)
UEFA Super Cup winners – once (1987)
Intercontinental Cup – twice (last time – in 2004)
Face to face
Dynamo faced Porto three times in the Champions’ Cup and Champions League – in 1987, 2008 and 2012.
Total: 6 matches, 1 Dynamo win, 1 draw, 4 Porto wins, goal difference – 6:9
At Dynamo home arenas: 1 draw, 2 Porto wins, goal difference – 2:4
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