MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates with team mate Dejan Kulusevski after scoring their side's second goal during the Coppa Italia semi-final match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 02, 2021 in Milan, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.

Porto vs. Juventus lineups: Kulusevski partners Ronaldo

Agence France-Presse
5 years ago
Marco Luzzani / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Porto, Portugal, Feb 17, 2021 (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo and Dejan Kulusevski will spearhead the Juventus front line in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg tie at Portuguese side Porto.

Sweden's Kulusevski got the nod ahead of Alvaro Morata, who starts on the bench, alongside 36-year-old Ronaldo who plays his first Juve game in his native Portugal.

Ronaldo, the competition's record goalscorer, will have his work cut out against a side who have not conceded a home goal so far in this season's tournament.

Coach Andrea Pirlo juggled Juve's defence with Alex Sandro returning, playing alongside veteran captain Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt and Danilo.

Porto captain Pepe has the task of stopping fellow Portugal international Ronaldo, who he played alongside at Real Madrid, where they won three Champions League trophies together.

Juventus have never lost against Porto in the Champions League, with three wins and a draw.

Both teams are two-time European Cup winners.

Juventus' last title was in 1996 and Porto's in 2004.

Starting lineups for the Champions League last 16, first leg between Porto and Juventus at Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday:

Porto (4-4-2)

Agustin Marchesin; Wilson Manafà, Pepe, Chancel Mbemba, Sanusi Zaidu; Jesus Corona, Otavio, Sergio Oliveira, Andrea Mateus Uribe; Moussa Marega, Mehdi Taremi

Coach: Sergio Conceicao (POR)

Juventus (4-4-2)

Wojciech Szczesny; Danilo, Matthijs De Ligt, Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Federico Chiesa, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie; Dejan Kulusevski, Cristiano Ronaldo

Coach: Andrea Pirlo (ITA)

Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)

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