Porto ready for season-defining clash

Porto boss Vitor Pereira says his team’s Champions League clash with Zenit could determine their fortunes for the rest of the season.

Speaking at a press conference prior to Tuesday’s match at the Dragao, the former assistant pulled no punches when assessing the significance of the match, in which he is fully aware that their future in the competition rests solely on its outcome.

“It’s a very important game for the season,” Pereira said of the Group G encounter. “But in terms of my career this is just a game, there will be others of more importance.”

“We know what we want and we want to continue in the Champions League, but to achieve this we have to overcome a very difficult Zenit side, who possess great players.”

Pereira knows what to expect against Luciano Spalletti’s men, whom he is anticipating a difficult test from, but insists the Portuguese champions have what it takes to pick up the elusive victory and allay their previous 3-1 reverse in Russia.

“They have an Italian-style of play as the team defend well but like to attack the box in numbers and stretch play over the whole field,” he said.

“But we know the values that this club stands for. Based on the competence, responsibility and team spirit we have enough to beat Zenit.”

Porto must beat Zenit to seal their place in the last 16.