Pellegrini
 
“It’s important for the team that we earn the three points from tomorrow’s match for a total of 31 at this stage of the competition.  If we want to be in with a chance of European positions next season, then it’s important to have these 31 points with still two matches in hand before the second round gets underway.”
 
“I said it before the Champions League draw took place, any of the five possible rivals all have the same level of difficulty.  Porto are used to playing in European competition; as well as Arsenal, Shaktar Donest, Celtic, who have just defeated Barcelona, and Galatasary, who have also performed well in this competition.  I don’t think our opponent is the most important factor.  Playing the best football we can on the day is what we’ll be focusing on, and whichever team performs the best, will get through to the next round, so I really hope it’s us.”
 
“We can’t draw any conclusions with regards to the season, with 21 matches still left and 63 points in play.  Things change all the time in football and nothing is set in stone.  Barça are at the top of the table, having played excellent football so far this year, and it doesn’t look like they’ll ever be stopped, but nothing is certain in this game.  It’s very tight at the top of the League, with such a quality team like Barcelona and the potential Real Madrid have.  I think these two teams have some of the best players in the world.”