Surprise, surprise …

You did not expect to see Roma in the quarterfinals. Nor to Porto. They are those typical teams that qualify in the group stage and become attractive rivals eighth.

Two of that species collided, and now they will look for a ticket that allows them to dream of a memorable performance in the Champions League.

After all, they will have nothing to lose.

Roma tasted the honeys of success when they eliminated Barcelona last season. Later it would fall in a closed match (but with many goals) before the Liverpool of Klopp.

You could talk about a good technical job for qualifying to eighths again, but it is impossible for two reasons: the management of Eusebio Di Francesco does not like it and people only talk about the Rome of Cuarón.

That one does like and it is seen with more possibilities to aspire to important prizes.

On the other hand, a Portuguese rival in the quarterfinals is already an achievement. Hardly it would repeat the feat of Mourinho’s Porto during the next few years, then this will serve as experience.

Although Mou is free again and could dream… “Nah”.

Porto is an interesting team. Crushing in the NOS League and with a squad that will soon disarm because of the big players in the market. They are certainly already winning without playing the game.

The players win, showing up in a huge showcase.

The club wins, which will export several pieces and accumulate millions. They have a good sports project. It would not hurt at all.

The duel looks very even. To this day, with two months remaining, it would seem the most closed of the eight games.

The Portuguese have a more colorful and effective football, but also develop in a lower environment. The scale have to be used.

Undoubtedly, expect a game with goals.

And a prophet told me that he sees Italians crying at the end of the series…