LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Porto FC defender Alex Telles described Liverpool’s attacking trio, Salah, Mane and Firmino as being world-class, but believes they are well prepared for them.
Porto are set to host Liverpool in the Estadio do Dragao in the second-leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The Dragoes will be looking for a positive result following their 2-0 loss in the first game, thanks to strikes from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino.
The Portuguese giants faced Liverpool on three occasions in the last two seasons, but failed to win any of the games. The Reds came out on top twice, with the third game ending in a 0-0 draw.
However, Porto left-back Alex Telles believes that the upcoming game will be different as his side is better prepared.
“We went through a lot together and I think we are better prepared for this duel,” the Brazil international said.
“Salah, Mane, Firmino… Liverpool attackers are known all over the world. They are great players, world-class, we all know the qualities, be very difficult.
Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images
“The union of our team has made us stronger and, of course, our quality of play has allowed us to get here.
“I think we all played well, but if we had to highlight a player who has made a difference, who has given strength and positive energy to the team, it would be Marega,” he concluded.
Marega played 40 games for Porto this season, scoring an impressive 18 goals and provided 11 assists. The former Esperance man is also the Champions League’s third top goalscorer with six goals, four behind top goalscorer Lionel Messi.