Group A
Kick-off: 19:45 (BST)
Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira insists his team will not underestimate Besiktas as the Portuguese side attempt to seal qualification for the knockout stage for the fourth time in five Champions League campaigns.
“They’re a strong team,” said Ferreira, whose side will progress by avoiding defeat on Tuesday. “We know they will be very difficult,” he said. “They beat Marseille and Liverpool at home. The fact they lost in Marseille and Liverpool won’t affect our plans.”
“It’s normal,” he said. We’re the leaders after five games. We have built this position. We’re not preoccupied with anything else, just with winning the group.”
Ferreira has assured the home support that his players will not sit back and play for the draw.
“They expect things from us,” he continued. “They give great support to the team, and the bond between them and the team is important. We intend to win the game, and to win the group.”
Besiktas meanwhile, are trying to reach the last 16 for the first time.
“This game is very important, both for our team and for Turkish football,” said coach Ertugrul Saglam. “This isn’t a game where the players need motivating.”
“I prefer to play in games like this, where we have to win,” he added. “We know Porto well. They’re a strong team with many good players and are tricky opponents, especially at home.”
The fact that Besiktas, for whom both Márcio Nobre and Ricardinho are both ruled out through injury, are still in contention in the group, is a source of great pride for Saglam.
“Everyone thought the top two would be Porto and Liverpool, and it would be a struggle between us and Marseille for third place,” he said. “Now we have it in our own hands.”
