Big-spending Manchester City will know they were done a fairly raw deal in the Europa League last-32 draw – where the English club were pulled out alongside defending champions Porto. Both teams dropped into Europe’s second-tier tournament, following third place finishes in their respective Champions League groups.
The two clubs will now battle it out to try and ensure their European campaigns don’t end at this relatively early stage – in a match-up that has to be viewed as being the round’s biggest tie. Those looking at the Europa League betting will be expecting a close match.
City manager Roberto Mancini has already admitted the draw had produced a clash that looked more suited to the Champions League. The Italian made it clear Porto were one of the Europa League’s strongest sides and one which would need properly preparing for. Many will see City as being favourites to progress to the next stage, however, Mancini knows his team could have been given a number of easier ties from the draw. Anyone following the Betfair online betting tips should remember this.
“Manchester City against Porto feels like a Champions League game, it is probably the toughest game we could have had,” he said.
“I have come up against them as a player before and also a manager, they are a very good team and a very strong club in Europe.”
“They are used to playing in Europe, in a great stadium. Not too many years ago they won the Champions League and also won the Europa League last year. So they are a strong team.”
Porto may not be the same force they were last season under Andres Villas-Boas – in a campaign which they dominated both domestically and in the Europa League – that said, however, they will certainly fancy their own chances of now going on to defend their title.
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