Chelsea vs Porto: Three things to look for in Champions League clash

Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) reacts with Chelsea's Brazilian defender Thiago Silva at the final whistle during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge in London on January 27, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (L) and Chelsea’s Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic react at the final whistle during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge in London on March 17, 2021. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Reaction

Chelsea’s response against Porto will answer some of the bigger-picture questions surrounding the team. However, it will be just as interesting to see how the Blues react in-game to a side that thrives on defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.

By the virtue of their recent history and their position in respective domestic leagues, it can be ascertained that Juventus and Manchester City are the two top teams Porto has played this season. As expected, the Dragoes surrendered possession in those matches—averaging just over 30 percent—and focused on restricting spaces to the opposing teams. Man City broke Conceicao’s men easily in their first match, but was only able to draw 0-0 in their second. Juventus fared even worse. Porto beat the Bianconeri in their round of 16 first leg before sealing the tie on aggregate in the second.

Tuchel’s Chelsea does not play much differently than either City or Juventus. The Blues like to control possession and circulate the ball around until the perfect opening presents itself. That plays perfectly into Porto’s gameplan. The Portuguese outfit can sit back and restrict its opponents from creating chances before hitting them on the counter. The game can turn into an attack versus defence scenario, but Conceicao won’t care. Frustrating the English side will be No. 1 on his list of priorities heading into the match.

As such, it will be fascinating to see how Tuchel and Chelsea prepare for their test ahead. Will the German switch to a four-man defence and add another attacker to the team? Will Callum Hudson-Odoi receive a call-up in place of the more defensive Reece James? Will the coach stick with a conservative starting XI to minimize the likelihood of a surprise? There’s a lot to keep an eye out for during this one.

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