The Europa League playoff round brings an enticing clash between Portuguese giants Porto and Serie A side Roma as they vie for a spot in the tournament’s last 16. The first leg takes place at the iconic Estadio do Dragao, where both teams will look to gain an early advantage in this high-stakes encounter.
Porto narrowly secured their playoff berth with a decisive 1-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv on the final matchday of the league phase. That win, orchestrated by now-departed Nico Gonzalez, was critical in edging out Braga for qualification. However, their domestic form has been less convincing. The team, under new coach Martin Anselmi, has struggled to find consistency, failing to win any of their last five Primeira Liga matches. A dramatic late equalizer from Danny Namaso salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sporting Lisbon last weekend, but Porto remains third in the league standings and out of contention for domestic silverware.
Despite their struggles, Porto boast a strong home record in European competition, having won four of their last five knockout matches at Estadio do Dragao. History is also on their side against Roma, with Porto emerging victorious in all three previous ties between the clubs, including a memorable 4-3 aggregate win in the Champions League Round of 16 six years ago.
Roma enter this tie with a rich recent history in European competitions. Winners of the Conference League in 2022, they went on to reach the Europa League final and semi-final in successive seasons. Their journey this year began shakily but was rescued by an impressive 2-0 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt on the final matchday of the league phase.
Domestically, Roma have faced their own struggles, sitting ninth in Serie A after a narrow 1-0 win over Venezia last weekend. Interim coach Claudio Ranieri has brought stability since taking charge but faces a daunting challenge to guide his boyhood club to European glory. Ranieri’s personal record in continental knockout matches is less encouraging, with nine losses in his last eleven attempts.
The Giallorossi have also been poor travelers in Europe, managing just three wins from their last 19 away fixtures in the Europa League. However, with city rivals Lazio potentially awaiting them in the next round, Roma will be motivated to deliver a strong performance.
For Porto, Samu Aghehowa will be pivotal despite his recent scoring struggles. His five goals in this season’s Europa League underline his importance to the team. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Mora could provide youthful energy and creativity in attack.
Roma will rely on Paulo Dybala for inspiration up front after his decisive penalty against Venezia last weekend. Claudio Ranieri will also look to Manu Kone to control the midfield battle and provide defensive stability.
Team News
Porto manager Martin Anselmi is expected to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa will start behind a backline bolstered by the return of Brazilian center-back Otavio from suspension. However, Ivan Marcano, Marko Grujic, and Martim Fernandes remain sidelined due to injuries. Up front, star striker Samu Aghehowa will lead the attack despite a recent goal drought, supported by teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora.
For Roma, Claudio Ranieri will welcome back key players Leandro Paredes and Manu Kone after they were rested and suspended respectively for the weekend’s Serie A match. Mats Hummels and Alexis Saelemaekers are also set to return but must tread carefully as both are one booking away from suspension. January signings Devyne Rensch and Victor Nelsson are available for selection, though Lucas Gourna-Douath and Anass Salah-Eddine were not included in Roma’s UEFA squad.
Expected Starting XIs
Porto: Costa; Djalo, Perez, Otavio; Mario, Eustaquio, Varela, Moura; Pepe, Mora; Aghehowa
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Dybala, Pisilli; Dovbyk
Match Prediction
Both teams enter this match with inconsistent form but plenty of motivation to progress further in Europe. While Porto enjoy a strong home record and historical dominance over Roma, the Italian side’s recent European pedigree cannot be ignored. A closely contested draw seems the likeliest outcome.
Prediction: Porto 1-1 Roma
