Two clubs chasing qualification for the UEFA Champions League will do battle today in a match between Lille and Porto. The playoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN Deportes.
Though favored to advance past FC Porto and into the group stages of the Champions League, Rene Girard has downplayed his side's chances ahead of today's encounter. The Lille boss shared his glowing praise for the opposition, proclaiming the Portuguese outfit as one of the greats of European football.
"We're going to respect this team while showing them we're here," Girard said on Tuesday (via UEFA). "They have a wealth of experience at European level, but I also think Lille are a team who deserve respect in Europe. One of the keys for us will be to respect them without fearing them in the slightest."
"I'm not putting additional pressure on Porto by telling they're one of the greats of Europe," he added. "It's a fact."
The fact remains: Lille are still favored to obtain a result at home this afternoon, no matter how great Porto are dubbed to be.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: On loan from Liverpool FC, Lille's Divock Origi has made the most of his opportunities in Ligue 1. In two starts for the club this season, the 19-year-old has contributed a goal and an average of 2.5 dribbles per match.
Lille's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Enyeama; Beria, Basa, Kjaer, Souare; Gueye, Mavuba, Balmont; Origi, Kalou, Corchia
Porto's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Fabiano; Sandro, Indi, Maicon, Danilo; Herrera, Oliver, Neves; Brahimi, Martinez, Quaresma
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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