FC Porto vs Maccabi Tel Aviv - Julen Lopetegui urges supporters to spur Porto to victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv
Posted Monday, October 19, 2015 by PA
Porto will be hoping for a 20th consecutive home victory when they go up against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Runners-up in the Primeira Liga last season, Porto go into their Group G encounter at the Estadio do Dragao unbeaten in all competitions and looking to take another step towards the knockout stages in Europe's elite club competition.
Porto drew 2-2 at Dynamo Kiev in their opening Champions League game before beating Chelsea 2-1 at home in the last round.
Julen Lopetegui's side is second in the standings, level on four points with group leaders Dynamo.
"We want to play well and win," Lopetegui said on his club's official website."We hope that the team gives a good showing and that our fans create a Champions League atmosphere.
"We need the energy from our supporters to win."
Maccabi have endured a difficult start, losing 4-0 at Chelsea before falling 2-0 to Dynamo Kiev at home.
However, Lopetegui will not take the defending Israeli champions lightly.
"We need to play a great game," Lopetegui said. "I'm focused on the adversity that this game will have.
"Maccabi are a good side, very organised and have played well so far.
"If we look at their results (in the competition), we run the risk of disrespecting our opponents.
"We cannot forget that they eliminated Basle in the Champions League play-offs.
"We will need to play well to win."
Porto won 4-0 on Sunday at home to Belenenses, their fifth win in seven league games, to remain at the top of the Primeira Liga, level on 17 points with Sporting Lisbon.
Maccabi, coached by Slavisa Jokanovic, warmed up for the encounter in Portugal with a 2-1 win at Maccabi Petach on Sunday.
The victory, Maccabi's third straight in the domestic competition, lifted them four points clear of Hapoel at the top of the standings.
"We achieved our goal of making it to this tournament but now we have to try and get something out of it, play solid football and show that we have something to offer at this level," Maccabi midfielder Eran Zahavi said on the club's official website.
"I believe in our team and I hope we can do something this Tuesday.
"As a child you dream about playing on the biggest football stage in the world and that's where we are.
"We didn't come into this just to be here and I hope we can achieve the goals we set for ourselves and succeed in the upcoming match."
Zahavi, who struck seven goals to help Maccabi qualify for the Champions League, has found the back of the net three times in Maccabi's last two games.
The hosts will be bolstered by the return of defender Ivan Marcano from injury while midfielder Jacine Brahimi is doubtful with a knee problem and forward Andre Silva is out with an ankle issue.
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