Deco: Porto can eliminate Barcelona from the Champions League

7 Dec 2012 00:30:00

The ex-Blaugrana midfielder feels the Portuguese side have what it takes to knock his old club out of Europe, although the teams are yet to find out who they will face

Former Portugal international Deco admits that, although Barcelona are one of the best teams in the Champions League, Porto have the beating of the Catalans should the two clubs be paired together when the draw for the last 16 is made on December 20.

Porto are the current Portuguese champions and after their loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, they finished second in Group A which means they could be pitted against Tito Vilanova's men for the first round of the knockout stages.

Deco, who has played for both clubs during his career, insists that Porto should not be scared of facing the Blaugrana and that they could even beat the Spanish giants.

"Porto is Portugal's best representative in European competition. If they have to play Barcelona, it will not be a hopeless situation for them," Deco was quoted saying by Sport.

"Of course, it is never easy to play at Camp Nou. Much less when you have to go and get a result. But, Benfica were not intimidated by going there."

Deco enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Porto, winning the Champions League in 2004 before moving to Barcelona where two years later he won the competition for a second time.