Porto vs Inter: A tense battle awaits in Portugal

Topics: TV Listings, TV Schedules, Inter, Porto, UEFA Champions League

The Nerazzurri hold a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg of their round of 16 tie against Porto, but the game is still firmly poised on a knife's edge.

A tense battle could be on the cards as Porto and Inter prepare to lock horns for the second leg of their round of 16 tie. Romelu Lukaku's goal helped decide the first leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to give Simone Inzaghi's side a narrow 1-0 advantage coming into Tuesday evening's contest. For Porto, it was a disappointing outcome as they came into that contest having won their last four Champions League group stage matches to top their quartet by a very comfortable margin.

The defeat last month also snapped a 22-match unbeaten streak across all competitions for Sergio Conceicao's side, and Otavio was sent off during that match, meaning that the key midfielder will be banned for this upcoming game. Since their 1-0 loss in February, which preceded a surprise 2-1 defeat to Gil Vicente, Porto have since recovered, with back to back wins in their last two Primeira Liga ties. However, with an eight point margin between themselves and Benfica, and Sporting Braga right on their tails, it is not likely that Conceicao's side will be able to successfully clinch the league title this term - unless if they can start making up some serious ground on the Eagles quickly.

Meanwhile, Inter come into this match having dropped points in a very disappointing 2-1 defeat to Spezia, which makes it two losses in their last three Serie A ties. The Nerazzurri are a whopping 18 points behind Napoli, which pretty much means that the Partenopei, who have surprised and impressed many observers this season, will win the Scudetto. Of concern for Inter is securing a top four spot, as their 50 points sees them just narrowly ahead of Lazio (49 points), Milan (48 points), and Roma (47 points), meaning that it looks set to be a very interesting battle for the last three Champions League football spots.

The Nerazzurri, who finished second in their quartet thanks to having beaten Barcelona, are hoping to use their 1-0 win from the first leg to their full advantage. A draw would be enough to see Inzaghi's troops through to the quarter-finals, but of concern is their poor record against Portuguese sides, which has seen them win just one of their last eight away games against teams who play in the Primeira Liga. Coupled with the fact that Porto have won their last four home matches against Italian teams, the cards are truly set for what should be a highly tactical and intense battle for a coveted spot in the final eight.

Team news: Porto vs Inter

Porto: Stephen Eustaquio might be involved should he pass a late fitness test, but Evanilson is in doubt due to a thigh issue. Otavio is suspended for this game following his red card during Porto's 1-0 loss to Inter last month.

Inter: Milan Skriniar is a likely absentee due to a back issue, while Joaquin Correra only just returned to training and so if involved, will likely come off the bench.

Match facts: Porto vs Inter

Inter have won just one of their last eight away games in European competition against Portuguese teams (D3 L4)
Porto have won their last four home games against Italian sides, with Juventus being the last team to beat the Dragons in Portugal (February 2017)
However, Porto have been eliminated from six of their last seven two-legged UCL ties when losing the first leg...
...while Inter have progressed from five of their last five two-legged UCL ties when winning the first leg