Game Preview: FC Porto vs. Bayern Munich - 1st Leg Quarter-Final - UEFA Champions League - 15/04/2015 - Estadio do Dragao, Porto

Porto have displayed tremendous attacking prowess in disposing off opponents as was evident in their 2nd leg Champions League 4-0 thrashing of Swiss club Basel FC in early March. They hope to continue in the same vein on Wednesday night against a much powerful opponent in the form of one of the tournament favourites, Bayern Munich. The Portuguese side have a few concerns though, with 23-year old forward Cristian Tello set to miss the April 15th clash due to a thigh tear and the club veteran of 82 games, Jackson Martinez, down with a groin injury. But Martinez is expected to recover in time for the quarter-final clash and provide teeth to a potent Porto attack. Porto's backline could be severely tested by a opponent who like to keep possession for more than two-thirds of the game and are blessed with an attack capable of piercing the best defenses in the world. Porto have scored on 20 occasions in the last 8 matches and conceded just two for which they have to thank their impressive 36-year old veteran goalkeeper Helton.

For Bayern Munich, the absence of Arjen Robben owing to an abdominal muscle tear is a big blow. With Ribery not performing as brilliantly as he used to on the left flank and the speedy Robben missing on the right, Bayern's passing-cum-possession game will be without the usual potency and could be exposed the way it was in the previous Champions Cup against Real Madrid.

But domestically, a 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday meant that the Bavarian club will probably be declared Bundesliga champions as early as next week what with a massive 13-point line over the 2nd ranked team. Bayern have had their share of shaky moments of late with defeats against VfL Wolfsburg and VfL Borussia Monchengladbach. Defeats such as these cast a cloud over their invincibility and their ability to overcome much tougher opponents.

Since losing to Portuguese champions Benfica 0-2 in December, Porto haven't lost in the 15 matches they have played in since then. One of the chief instruments of their success has been the 25-year old Algerian attacking midfielder, Yacine Brahimi who has been brilliant in his eight appearances in the Champions Cup this season, getting as many as five goals for his club. Bayern would be very wary of this mercurial player and would be careful not to concede a goal or two at Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday.

The only time Porto reached the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup was when they won this tournament in 2004. Compare this to Bayern's pedigree in the Champions League where they have featured in the final matches thrice and semi-final once in the last five seasons.

Although a shock defeat for the German giants at the Estadio do Dragao, Porto,on Wednesday cannot be ruled, one hardly expects Porto to go past the German giants over the two semi-final legs. Apart from a 1-2 loss in the 1987 European Champion Clubs' Cup, Bayern have not lost to a Portuguese club in 22 games since then. On Portuguese soil their record is 5 wins and 6 draws. So despite a home game for Porto, bookmakers are still tipping Bayern Munich to walk away with the match at Estadio do Dragao on April 15th night.

Odds for a Porto win: 9/2

Odds for a draw: 11/4

Odds for a Bayern Munich win: 8/13