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Porto at Chelsea: Champions League match preview and where to watch

By Gabe Henderson

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Reece James of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between FC Porto and Chelsea FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 07, 2021 in Seville, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 07: Reece James of Chelsea looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between FC Porto and Chelsea FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 07, 2021 in Seville, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea makes its second trip to Spain in a matter of six days as the Blues prepare for their second leg against Porto. Thomas Tuchel’s men currently hold a 2-0 advantage in the Champions League quarterfinal match-up after Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell netted for the Blues in the first leg. The two away goals give Chelsea a huge boost, but the UCL has shown us time and time again that you cannot count your chickens before they hatch.

Porto proved to be incredibly dangerous at numerous points of the first leg. Although the Portuguese side did not find the back of the net, it came close on a handful of occasions. The consensus amongst those that watched the bout last week was that the Blues’ clinical finishing—similar to Paris Saint-Germain’s in the other Wednesday quarterfinal—was what won them the match. Chelsea didn’t necessarily outplay its opponent, but it did capitalize on the few chances it was given and that may very well prove to be the difference in the tie.

Neither side had any difficulty with the quick turnaround following last week’s first leg. The Blues travelled to its southern London neighbors, Crystal Palace, and played the Eagles off the pitch to begin a new unbeaten streak. Tuchel’s men scored more than two goals for the first time under the new gaffer, looking lively in attack throughout the duration of the contest. Meanwhile, Porto rebounded nicely with a 2-0 win over Tondela, a mid-table Portuguese side.

If the weekend’s bounce-back wasn’t enough motivation for Porto, maybe the inclusion of two of its brightest stars will be. The Dragoes get Sergio Oliveira and Mehdi Taremi back following first leg suspensions and go into the game with a squad that is close to full health. The Blues managed to keep both of its suspension-teetering stars—Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech—out of the referee’s book, which means they can both feature in the quarterfinal’s second leg on Tuesday. Defender Andreas Christensen’s status is unknown after picking up a small knock in training on his birthday leading up to the Crystal Palace game.

Where can you view the live stream of Porto at Chelsea in the Champions League?

Date: Tuesday, April 13
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. GMT)
Location: Seville, Spain
Venue: Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan
Advantage: Chelsea (2-0 on aggregate; both away goals)
TV Info: Paramount+ (USA), BT Sport (UK)
Live Stream: Paramount+ (USA)

Many have been quick to write off Sergio Conceicao’s men given the uphill battle they face in the second leg. However, that could not be further from the truth. There were moments at the weekend where Chelsea switched off defensively—most notably during Christian Benteke’s goal. The Blues need to remain focused and dominate possession early. One goal should effectively kill off the tie, but if Porto grabs the game’s first score, things will get awfully tense for Tuchel’s team. A place in the Champions League semifinals is on the line, who is going to seize the moment?

Next. Chelsea has Porto first, and then the world to take on. dark

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