Porto land Bayern in Champions League draw

Porto land Bayern in Champions League draw

FC Porto were paired with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in this morning's draw in Nyon. The first leg will be at the Estádio do Dragão on 15 April, with the return match at the Allianz Arena on 22 April.  

The Dragons face a titanic task to make the last four, given that most analysts would agreed Bayern and Barcelona are the strongest teams in Europe at this point in time. 

On the plus side, Porto can take inspiration from the strong German connection to the club's two greatest ever moments.

The Dragons beat Bayern in the 1987 final in Austria - in a similar David versus Goliath scenario - to become European Champions for the first time. Then in 2004 the German city of Gelsenkirchen was the venue for the Champions League final, which José Mourinho's Porto won 3-0 against Monaco.

 

"Nothing is impossible" - Baía

Club legend Vítor Baía made a point of remembering both occasions in his reaction to the draw. 

"It was one of the least wanted opponents but nothing is impossible, the game starts 0-0. The last time we played Bayern Munich in a European Cup final we were not favourites and we won," said the former goalkeeper. 

"This victory in '87, like when we won the Champions League in 2004, can serve to motivate the players but of course, because of their financial muscle Bayern are favourites, although FC Porto have a chance."

Porto remain the only unbeaten side left in this season's competition. 

The quarter-final draw also threw up a repeat of last year's final in Lisbon between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. The Spanish capital derby will witness a big Portuguese influence, with Tiago for Atleti trying to get the better of the Seleção trio of Ronaldo, Pepe and Fábio Coentrão. 

Monaco, led by Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim, were drawn against perennial Italian champions Juventus. 

 

Full draw

PSG v Barcelona

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid

FC PORTO v Bayern Munich

Juventus v Monaco

by Tom Kundert