Group D Kick-off: 19-45 (BST)
Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira warned his players to show APOEL plenty of respect as the Portuguese champions look to build on their Matchday 2 win against Atletico Madrid.
“It’s APOEL’s first time in the Champions League and we know what that means to them,” said Ferreira. “They played against Chelsea and Atlético and only conceded one goal so we have to respect them.
“Five days ago Cyprus played Italy and lost 3-2. Five APOEL players were in the Cyprus team, and one of them [Chrysostomos Michail] scored. They will make us play like we play every match: to the limit. We have to be patient, intelligent and calm, and face them with great optimism but also with great respect.
“Every game is different in the Champions League; it’s another problem to solve. I know Paulo Jorge well because he was my player for many years, I also know Hélio Pinto and Nuno Morais, but they’re all strong and play to a good standard.”
APOEL drew at Atlético and lost only 1-0 to Chelsea and their coach, Ivan Jovanovic, is confident his side will have their opportunities tonight.
“This is going to be a difficult game, just like every one we had until now in this competition,” he said. “Porto and Chelsea are the strongest teams in our group so we are going to give our best.
“Porto are a very interesting team and have many good players so it’s going to be a good challenge. Porto have their own style which they play in both Portugal and Europe, and have a good midfield and a good attack.
“A draw would definitely be a good result although in the first two games we didn’t think like that. Against Atlético we got one point, against Chelsea we got none – but it isn’t easy against these three teams. What got us to this phase was the will of our players and our organisation. I know we aren’t favourites, but we will have our chances.”
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