UEFA Europa League Semi-Final Preview: FC Porto v Villarreal CF

The semi-finals will be an all Iberian affair with 3 Portuguese clubs (FC Porto, SL Benfica and SC Braga) participating and Villarreal CF as the lone-ranger from Spain. What should we expect from these matches and who will make it to Dublin on May 18th? Here's the first segment of our preview.

FC Porto are playing fantastic football at the moment and are the clear favorites in this tie and for most to win the entire tournament. Andre Villas-Boas has already won the Portuguese League and just defeated SL Benfica away for the 2nd time this season to secure a place in the Portuguese Cup final. With that said, Porto have an opportunity to secure a treble which would be even more impressive considering this being Villas-Boas first season in command. 


After a dominate group stage campaign in which they won 5 and drew 1, Porto took on Sevilla FC where they suffered their only defeat of the tournament despite progressing. Their following 2 opponents took them to Russia where they once again prevailed and in a scoring-fashion, they accumulated 10 goals against Spartak Moscow to reach the semi-finals.  Now although Porto has been gifted such attacking talents in Hulk and Falcao, the credit for Porto's dominant play should be sourced to their midfield. Porto's style of play is enhanced at their ability to retain possession in midfield and generate quick passing sequences either via lobs or through passes which free up their strikers. The midfield contingent of João Moutinho, Fernando Belluschi, Rúben Micael, Fredy Guarín and Fernando, just to name a few, have provided Porto's midfield with skill and aggressive play which have enabled them to dominate not only the Portuguese League, but also the Europa League. 


Defensively, after losing Captain Bruno Alves during the off-season, Porto were able to adjust as Rolando, who had been playing well along side of Alves became the club's 1st choice CB and was able to elevate his game. Helton, Porto's long-lasting successor to Vítor Baía, has been stingy at the back and has been greatly assisted by Rolando and his supporting cast of defenders which include Maicon, Cristian Săpunaru, Álvaro Pereira, Fucile and Otamendi. In total, they've only conceded 12 goals throughout their Europa League campaign which began in the 3rd qualifying round and through 27 league matches they've only conceded a league best 13 times.   

Falcao & Giuseppe Rossi lead the scoring sheet with 11 & 10 goals respectively.

Moving away from FC Porto, we take a look at their opponents Villarreal CF.  Villarreal are coming off of a 8-2 victory over 2 legs against FC Twente of Holland. They've conceded only 12 goals throughout the whole tournament stretching all the way back from the playoff round of the tournament; however, they're defense hasn't faired as well in league play where they've conceded 36 times in La Liga. Despite that, they head into their semi-final versus Porto with an open chance to win. However, their concentration will be in question as they are still vying for 3rd in La Liga which is currently in the possession of Valencia CF. A 3rd placed finish would guarantee them an automatic spot in next season's UEFA Champions League while a 4th place finish would mean they would have to participate in a playoff round. Nevertheless, Juan Carlos Garrido will have his side giving it their all to capture European glory. One of the reasons why the "Yellow Submarines" have made it so far and are a team to fear are their support upfront. Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar have been playing very well in the tournament which always usually equates to victories when both starting strikers/forwards are scoring goals. They've both combined for 15 goals in the tournament and will surely give Porto's defense a run for their money. 


The 2 have been able to excel with the assistance of their midfield which have been able to create opportunities for the 2; especially Rossi who has scored 16 times in La Liga. Santi Cazorla will keep Porto's fullbacks busy on the flanks as he'll look to provide some balls into the area for his 2 strikers. Borja Valero is also another player to watch in central midfield as he'll likely be the focus of stability in the Villarreal midfield; he too possesses good vision which can put others in scoring situations. Also look for Cani to play a pivotal role in this tie and he has been cleared from a nagging injury. 


Defensively, as we mentioned, Villarreal have been stingy at the back in the tournament. Goalkeeper Diego López has been playing as good as any keeper in the tournament and has played thus far a crucial role in Villarreal's success in La Liga this season. Although praise should rightfully be given to him, his front line has also been of great assistance with experience being their main asset. Gonzalo Rodriguez, Marchena, Capdevila have all played their old guard parts with youngsters Mateo Musacchio and Mario Gaspar also providing good cover. All in all, Villarreal are well prepared at the back for the challenge the lies ahead as long as they stay healthy. It is crucial for them to have as many options at the back against Porto.


There are a few setbacks on their squad as they'll be without Gonzalo Rodriguez for the rest of the season meaning they can't really afford another injury at the back. Meanwhile, veteran midfield Marco Senna is also set not to play a crucial role in determining who will win the tie. The midfielder has been nagged by injuries but has also suffered in form for quite some time now. There is some good news as they won't have to worry about Santi or Nilmar being cautioned as they both cleared themselves after picking up a second yellow in the 1st leg of their QF; although, UEFA's Control and Disciplinary body fined both players for deliberately receiving cautions. Nevertheless, it's something they can put behind themselves. 

All signs seem to point to this conclusion

Villarreal have had an excellent Europa League campaign but I can't see them progressing any further. Why? Well there are a few reasons. One large reason is because they are facing a team who is very hot at the moment and holds an advantage at nearly every position on the field. Andre Villas-Boas has his players very hungry and with having tied up the Portuguese championship, they now have their eyes set on European glory. Villarreal are still concentrated on obtaining 3rd place which would earn them an automatic UEFA Champions League Group Stage slot and also a payday. 

Villarreal will miss Gonzalo Rodriguez the most at the back as Juan Carlos Garrido will most likely go with the young Mateo Musacchio who will have his hands completely full with Hulk   and/or Falcao. In the end, Porto's midfield will muscle out and control possession which will put Villarreal under much stress at the back. Villarreal will have to take their chances, which I presume will be very limited, very precisely in order to stay in this match. However, Hulk and Co. will end up being too much for the "Yellow Submarines" as this semi-final may very well be decided in the 1st leg. The best case scenario for Villarreal would be to draw or lose yet having scored a crucial away goal. Even with that though, they are no safer at home as Porto have been a clinical side on the road this season. 

History may be on its way to repeating itself.

FC Porto advances to the Europa League final, quite comfortably advancing by a margin of 4-1 agg.