Manchester United vs FC Porto, again in 2009! The two met in this same stage in 2004, and the top club from Portugal, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, shocked the Red Devils, 3-2 on aggregate. There will be no Deco, Carvalho, and Mourinho this time, but the Porto players are upbeat and excited of this encounter. Can Porto repeat what it did in 2004?

Schedules:
1st Leg: 7 April 2009, Old Trafford, England.
2nd Leg: 15 April 2009, Estadio do Dragao, Portugal



Sir Alex Ferguson’s and his Manchester United can breathe a sigh of relief now after eliminating his 2004 tormentor (and now friend), Jose Mourinho, and his Inter Milan squad. But Porto cannot be underestimated. One cannot reach this stage without some real firepower in football. And Porto has been a consistent performer in their domestic league, and in the Champions League of recent years.

Honestly, I don’t know anyone from the current Portuguese side. I used to know them, back in 2004, when they won the title under the Special One. But heck, Manchester United should not take an opponent lightly.

With the recent form of Manchester United, they’re almost unbeatable. Almost I say, because Liverpool showed them their weak side in the recent 4-1 route at the Red Devils own backyard. That should be a wake up call to everyone, including Rooney and Ronaldo. They should be very ready to meet the squad that edged them 5 years ago. A repeat would be embarrassing!

1st Leg Prediction

The Old Trafford will be filled again and I could hear the loud screaming and singing of fans all wearing red. The visitors will be in for a shock. I predict a 2-0 victory for Manchester United, with one goal coming from Ronaldo.

Actual results - It came as a shock to Manchester United fans. Porto levelled 2-2 with only a minute to go. United is now in a very difficult situation. Anything less than a win for the holders will go to Porto’s way. Will it be repeat of 2004?

2nd Leg Prediction

April 15 may be the tax filing day deadline, but it will all be football in Portugal when FC Porto hosts Manchester United at the Estadio Do Dragao. A 1-0 victory for the Portuguese side is my prediction. But still, it is not enough for them to pass through the next round.

My other entry on the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals:
Chelsea vs Liverpool

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