Porto enters the return leg in good form, having lost only once in their last five matches—a 0-1 defeat to Sporting in the cup. However, the Dragons have only kept a clean sheet in one match. The most important thing for the Portuguese is a 2-1 victory in the first leg away to Stuttgart, which gives them a tactical advantage heading into the game at their home stadium, the Estádio do Dragão.
Stuttgart aren't hopeless: they won their last match against RB Leipzig (1-0), demonstrating their character. However, their defensive problems remain; the German club still lacks experience in European competitions. To recover from their narrow defeat in the first leg, the visitors will need to take risks and push forward with more force, which will inevitably create space for the hosts to counterattack.
Considering that Porto simply needs to avoid defeat or score at least one goal to practically guarantee their place, while Stuttgart desperately needs a two-goal win, the game promises to be an open one. The first leg demonstrated that both teams are capable of creating chances for each other, while the Germans' current form suggests they are unable to sit back.
Stuttgart will be forced to attack and have every chance to score, but the visitors' defense is unlikely to withstand Porto's pressure in the return leg, leading to a goal-scoring contest.
