BATE Borisov vs Porto preview - BATE looking for improved display

Posted Tuesday, November 25, 2014 by PA

Coach Aleksandr Yermakovich expects BATE Borisov to put up a much better show against Porto on Wednesday than they managed in the first Champions League meeting in September.

BATE's trip to Portugal ended in a 6-0 drubbing - Porto's biggest ever Champions League victory and BATE's heaviest away defeat.

Worse was to come on home soil, though, with Shakhtar Donetsk going one better in a 7-0 win before BATE suffered another thrashing, 5-0, in their away match against the Ukrainians.

BATE did pick up three points against Athletic Bilbao but must win both their remaining games in Group H to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Yermakovich told a press conference: "We fully understand how high the level is in the group stage of the Champions League.

"Porto is a very balanced team with top players. We are pleased to once again play against them, to feel their level, and to see where we are compared with such opponents.

"One thing is clear - to compete with rivals in open football would be meaningless. We will act differently.

"We'll try to play with good defence and hope to counter-attack. I am convinced we can play much better with our rivals. And we will try to prove it."

Porto are already assured of a place in the last 16 and can clinch top spot in the group with victory over BATE if Shakhtar fail to beat Bilbao.

Despite the ease of their victory first time around, boss Julen Lopetegui expects a tough test on Tuesday.

He said: "BATE had a great Champions League qualification, they are constantly taking titles in the Belarusian championship and they deservedly beat Athletic.

"Even in the duel with Porto in the first round, they were very good for 20 minutes. We understand that we must play at our maximum and have great respect for the opponent."