Through the beginning of Champions League play, FC Porto has dominated Group A by winning both matches it has played. The club sits in first place and looks to continue that dominance on Wednesday against FC Dynamo.
The two will face off in a UEFA Champions League match at Estadio do Dragao in Portugal. It will be the third league match for both clubs.
"We are preparing for this game as we always do, passing information to the players as usual. We will play as we do all the time, controlling the ball," said manager Vitor Pereira to Yahoo.
Porto has earned six points already, winning 2-0 against Dinamo Zagreb and 1-0 against Paris Saint-Germain on Oct. 3.
"The idea is humility. Our ethics do not allow this. They need the win just like us," said Porto goalie Helton Arruda to ESPN.
Helton will make his 40th Champions League appearance against Dynamo and has yet to allow a goal in league play this year.
"Regarding the 40 games, I try to do the best. I am grateful and proud of it," said Helton.
Porto is also at the top of the Primeira Liga standings and hasn't lost in its last five matches. The club has not lost against Ukrainian opponents since the 2008-09 season, although that match was against Dynamo.
Wednesday's Group A match is crucial for Dynamo, who hope to gain ground against Porto after splitting its two matches with a win and a loss. Dynamo is in second place with three points after getting dominated 4-1 against Paris Saint-Germain and winning 2-0 against Dinamo Zagreb.
"In the Champions League, Dynamo will fight for a way out of the group. The defeat by PSG with a score of 4-1 does not say anything," said manager Oleg Blokhin. "I remember a couple of years ago, the same happened when Shakhtar Donetsk lost in London, 5-1 to Arsenal. They then went into the play-offs with first place in the group."
Following their loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Dynamo came out fast and strong against Dinamo Zagreb, scoring three minutes into the match.
Dynamo has been outscored by one goal against opponents this year and has lost seven of the last ten Champions League games against Portuguese opponents.
Dynamo has a tough task on Wednesday as they try to become the first team to score on Porto in two league matches. The club will rely on midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko to try and spark the offense. The 23-year old had a birthday on Tuesday, but postponed a celebration until after the match.
"Now we are preparing for an important game with Porto. I will gather most people close to me after returning from Portugal (for a celebration)," said Yarmolenko. "Of course, we would like to have a party, but we need to achieve a positive result in the Champions League.
Porto will be dealing with some injuries, including to left back Alex Sandro, who has a muscle injury. Dynamo will be missing striker Raffael as well as defenders Dudu and Leandro Almeida.
According to Yahoo, "Dynamo have scored just six goals in their last 15 Champions League away games and failed to score in 10 of the games in that run."
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