Spartak Moscow will be facing a firing Porto squad tonight after they lifted the Portuguese League title last weekend. But one man still insists on this tie being a close one to call.
FC Porto Vs Spartak Moscow was always destined for excitement ever since the draw was made. Porto have been very impressive this season under the guidance of Andre Villas-Boas while Spartak have been a formidable side in Europe, having knocked out Ajax Amsterdam in the last round.
As for one man, he is absolutely tied up in predicting the winners of this clash. Having played for both Spartak and Porto, Dmitri Alenichev had mixed feelings when both teams were drawn against each other for the Europa League Quarter final.
While Porto look the obvious favorites- having already scored 19 goals in the tournament so far, Alenichev still insisted that it will be a close encounter.
"Even Barcelona have weak points," he explained. I know Spartak coach Valeri Karpin went to Lisbon to watch them against Benfica.
"If Spartak play as they did it against AFC Ajax [in the round of 16], they have a good chance of progressing. It is 50-50."
Alenichev, who is fondly remembered for scoring in Porto's Champions League final win over Monaco was also rather delicate in comparing the current crop of players at Porto with his batch of players that won the Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
He said: "The teams are completely different. There is no one at the club who played alongside me. I only remember André Villas-Boas. He helped José Mourinho and was responsible for data analysis and collecting information about opponents. André is showing now that he also is a first-class coach."
While the Krasno-belye have had a disappointing start to their domestic season so far, Alenichev still refused to rule out the possibility of them lifting the Europa League in Dublin.
He added: "Spartak lack consistency. Their squad is big enough to play in two tournaments, but Europe has been the priority. They have already dropped points which could affect them at the end of the season.
"The return leg will be at home where Spartak are capable of turning the tie.”Karpin's charges can beat Porto and win the Europa League.
"There is no clear favourite in the tournament either, so any of the eight teams can win it. Anything is possible."
As for one man, he is absolutely tied up in predicting the winners of this clash. Having played for both Spartak and Porto, Dmitri Alenichev had mixed feelings when both teams were drawn against each other for the Europa League Quarter final.
While Porto look the obvious favorites- having already scored 19 goals in the tournament so far, Alenichev still insisted that it will be a close encounter.
"Even Barcelona have weak points," he explained. I know Spartak coach Valeri Karpin went to Lisbon to watch them against Benfica.
"If Spartak play as they did it against AFC Ajax [in the round of 16], they have a good chance of progressing. It is 50-50."
Alenichev, who is fondly remembered for scoring in Porto's Champions League final win over Monaco was also rather delicate in comparing the current crop of players at Porto with his batch of players that won the Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
He said: "The teams are completely different. There is no one at the club who played alongside me. I only remember André Villas-Boas. He helped José Mourinho and was responsible for data analysis and collecting information about opponents. André is showing now that he also is a first-class coach."
While the Krasno-belye have had a disappointing start to their domestic season so far, Alenichev still refused to rule out the possibility of them lifting the Europa League in Dublin.
He added: "Spartak lack consistency. Their squad is big enough to play in two tournaments, but Europe has been the priority. They have already dropped points which could affect them at the end of the season.
"The return leg will be at home where Spartak are capable of turning the tie.”Karpin's charges can beat Porto and win the Europa League.
"There is no clear favourite in the tournament either, so any of the eight teams can win it. Anything is possible."
