FC Porto vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk preview - No room for complacency - Bernard

Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2014 by PA

Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Bernard insists professional pride dictates that their Champions League Group H clash with Porto will be competitive.

Both teams have already qualified for the knockout phase with Porto having established an unassailable five-point lead at the top of the group and Shakhtar four points ahead of third.

"We all know that this encounter, in principle, will decide nothing for both teams. But the players of Porto, like us, represent their club, the fans, the city and the country. I think they will try to win. Just as we will try," Bernard said.

"Porto will not give this game away easily, particularly as they play at home and they would want to please all their fans, friends and loved ones, who are side by side with them.

"Neither we nor they will get complacent, especially as it's a Champions League match."

Shakhtar might have been progressing as group winners but for a remarkable fightback at the Arena Lviv by Porto in the first clash in September.

Porto were trailing 2-0 before substitute Jackson Martinez stepped off the bench and plundered two late goals to secure a 2-2 draw in round two of the group phase.

"What happened in the first leg was just a disaster for us. Now the main thing is to be fully concentrated," Bernard said.

"We can't get complacent if we score a couple of goals. We can't allow that because a lot can change in the last five minutes."

Porto face an important match against domestic rivals Benfica on Sunday, but coach Julen Lopetegui insists Shakhtar remain the focus.

"Despite the first aim of qualification and the second of finishing first in the group having been achieved, we aim to make a good game and win in front of our supporters," he said.