Five Portuguese roller hockey clubs are embarking on their Champions League journeys this week, with FC Porto leading the charge against a familiar Spanish rival.
The 12-team tournament is divided into two groups, with the top four from each group advancing to the final-eight knockout stage.
FC Porto, placed in Group A, is the first Portuguese team to play, traveling to Igualada in Spain on Wednesday for their opening match. This encounter reprises a recent clash in the Continental Cup semi-finals, which FC Porto won on penalties after a 3-3 draw in regular time.
Edu Lamas, a Spanish player for FC Porto, emphasized the club’s high ambitions for the tournament. “FC Porto’s expectation is always to win,” Lamas stated on the club’s website. “We know the responsibility of wearing this emblem, so we enter all competitions to win, even though we are aware of the difficulty.”
Lamas also acknowledged the team’s recent return to winning ways against Riba d’Ave, following two defeats, including one against rival Benfica. “We weren’t getting the results we wanted, sometimes it happens, but we played well and now we’re taking the first steps in a new competition. We want to start with a lot of will.”
The four other Portuguese teams are all in Group B and begin their campaigns on Thursday.
Benfica will host Italian side Bassano.
Sporting will face current European champions OC Barcelos at home.
Oliveirense is set to visit Liceo de La Coruña in Spain for their opening match.