Introduction
Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 21:00 CET, FC Porto will host AS Roma at the Estádio do Dragão for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 playoff. It is going to be an interesting clash between two of Europe's glorious football clubs.
Historical Head-to-Head (H2H) Statistics
AS Roma and FC Porto have faced each other four times in European competition. The Portuguese team boasts an unbeaten record against their Italian opponents with two wins and two draws. They last played each other in a friendly match on July 28, 2021, which ended 1-1.
In competitive games:
- 2016 UEFA Champions League Playoffs: Porto defeated 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico after a 1-1 first leg draw.
- 2018-2019 UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Porto triumphed with a 2-1 away win in Rome and 3-1 at home in Porto.
The past suggests that Porto has the psychological edge against Roma as they approach tonight's encounter.
Recent Form
FC Porto
Porto have not had it easy of late, winning only one of their previous eight matches in all competitions. Despite this, they secured Europa League playoffs qualification with a crucial victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv. Their home form remains strong, with the Estádio do Dragão being a fortress on European nights.
AS Roma
AS Roma, under the tutelage of Claudio Ranieri, has picked up considerably. The Giallorossi have not lost their previous eight Serie A matches, exhibiting strength and defensive organization. Their Europa League quest was strengthened with a crunch victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, qualifying them for the playoffs.
Predicted Lineups
FC Porto (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
- Defenders: João Mário, Tiago Djaló, Nicolás Pérez, Otávio
- Midfielders: Stephen Eustáquio, Alan Varela, Fábio Moura
- Forwards: Pepe, Romário Baró, Salomão Aghehowa
AS Roma (3-4-2-1):
- Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
- Defenders: Zeki Çelik, Mats Hummels, Evan Ndicka
- Midfielders: Angeliño, Leandro Paredes, Maxime López, Devyne Rensch
- Attacking Midfielders: Paulo Dybala, Stephan El Shaarawy
- Forward: Artem Dovbyk
Key Players to Watch
FC Porto:
- Diogo Costa: The young goalkeeper has been an impressive performer, making vital saves in close games.
- Pepe: The experienced defender adds solidity and leadership to Porto's defense.
- Romário Baró: An attacking midfielder with great vision and passing accuracy.
AS Roma:
- Paulo Dybala: Roma's creative spark is vital to Roma's attacking endeavor, known for his dribbling and goal-scoring ability.
- Angeliño: Playing on the right or left as a wing-back, his crossing and speed down the channel provide Roma's width.
- Mats Hummels: The experienced center-half provides solidity and aerial threat at the back.
Match Prediction & Betting Tips
Considering the past and current situation, this game is going to be a narrowly fought contest.
Key Insights:
- Porto's home ground advantage and unbeat record against Roma provide them with a psychological advantage.
- Roma's recent revival under Ranieri should not be underestimated.
- Porto's defensive frailties could be targeted by Roma's attacking prowess.
Predicted Score:
FC Porto 1-1 AS Roma
Betting Tips:
- Roma to win or draw (Double Chance) – due to their recent good form.
- Both teams to score (BTTS) – due to both teams' defense vulnerabilities.
Where to Watch
Fans are able to view live action on certain sports broadcasting channels and streaming services. It is best to refer to local listings for local channel and streaming information.
Conclusion
The FC Porto vs. AS Roma match promises to be an enthralling game, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand in the first leg. Football enthusiasts can expect a game that will be replete with tactical battles, individual flair, and relentless passion typical of European knockout football.