UAE, March 4, 2007: The battle for the one of the most prestigious trophies in world football resumes. FC Porto head to the Stamford Bridge for their eagerly anticipated Champions League last 16 clash with Chelsea. And you can watch all the electrifying action with Firstnet and e-Firstnet on ART Prime Sport, ART Sport 1 and ART Sport 2 on March 6, 2007 at 19.00 (GMT).
In the past three UEFA Champions League campaigns, Chelsea FC has recorded two aggregate victories and one defeat in the Round of 16. Having returned from the Estádio do Dragão with a 1-1 draw they will be confident of making it three wins in four at this stage to scupper FC Portos hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since they were crowned champions in 2004.
Portos hopes of matching the achievement of three years ago under José Mourinho and progressing through the knockout rounds were raised when Raul Meireles fired Porto into a 12th-minute first-leg lead. However, Andriy Shevchenko maintained his recent upturn in form with an excellent equaliser to leave honours shared. The teams also matched each other in terms of efforts against the woodwork - Ricardo Quaresma and Didier Drogba the men to be denied. Will they be able to share the honours once again in the coming match?
So it is all to play for at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea, under Mourinho, have suffered only one reverse in 13 UEFA Champions League outings - to eventual winners FC Barcelona at this stage 12 months ago. It was the only time in their four tilts at Europes greatest club prize that they had failed to reach the quarter-finals. In this seasons group campaign that formidable home record was underlined as Chelsea won all three games, scoring five goals with none conceded.
A repeat of their home result against these opponents in the 2004/05 season would delight the soccer fans. While that fixture was Chelseas first against Portuguese opposition in UEFA club competition, their opponents have a more extensive history as far as visits to England are concerned. They may still be searching for their first away win but have reason to travel with confidence because they can point to a number of wins overall.
The winning team will advance to the 9 March draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals in Athens. The Greek capital will also host the final on Wednesday 23 May. Make sure you dont miss a second of the latest UEFA Premiership action - wherever you are - as Firstnet brings you live action from the most exciting continental league competition in the world.Witness the passions soar, live on ART Prime Sport, Firstnet. |