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In the run-up to the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League match between FC Porto and Arsenal on March 12, Porto's midfielder Alan Varela has not minced his words. Confident and defiant, Varela has boldly stated that his team is not fazed by Arsenal's reputation or recent successes.
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Varela's Defiant Words
Speaking confidently to the media in the pre-match presser, Varela made it clear that the Porto squad is not intimidated by Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
He emphasised their strength by pointing out, 'We don't care about Arsenal's big victories. The victory over Sheffield by six does not scare us. We defeated Benfica by five, which is considered a historic pillar of the history of the Champions League, and we have two Champions League titles. What does Arsenal have?'
🗣️ | Alan Varela: “Não nos importamos com as grandes vitórias do Arsenal. A vitória sobre o Sheffield por 6 a 0 não nos assusta.”
— PLBR 🇧🇷🏴 (@PLBrasil__) March 12, 2024
“Derrotámos o Benfica por cinco, que é considerado um pilar histórico da Champions League, e temos 2 UCL. O que é que o Arsenal tem?”
[Via… pic.twitter.com/TrKBtViuLj
History of Champions
FC Porto has a rich history in the Champions League, having clinched the prestigious title twice. The first victory came in the 1986-87 season under the old format, and the second triumph, famously under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, was in 2003–04.
In contrast, Arsenal's closest brush with Champions League glory was in 2006 when they faced Barcelona in the final but succumbed to a 2-1 defeat after being reduced to 10 men.
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