Morais: Porto still favorite to qualify

Apoel Nicosia's Nuno Morais insists Porto remain favourites to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League, despite the Portuguese side finding themselves down in third place at the halfway stage of Group G.

Apoel are the surprise leaders of the group having won one and drawn two of their matches so far, the last being a 1-1 draw in Portugal.

However, Morais - who had an unsuccessful spell with English Premier League side Chelsea before moving to Cyprus in 2007 - believes Victor Pereira's side still have the upper hand.

"Porto remain favourite for the group because they have a stronger group of players," Morais told Portuguese newspaper Record.

"Our team likes to play at home, since the public is fantastic and supports us a lot, but I do not think this is a point in our favour, since we are playing a skilled opponent.

"FC Porto have great quality and that allows them to play well in difficult environments."

Porto certainly have a greater European pedigree than their opponents, who made their first appearance in the Champions League two seasons ago, where they finished fourth in a group that contained Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Porto.

In contrast, Porto are veterans of European football and the current Europa League holders, but saw their qualification hopes suffer a major blow with a 3-1 defeat at Zenit St Petersburg on matchday two.

Apoel will be looking to make it nine games without defeat at home in Europe, but will need no reminding that Porto were the last foreign visitors to beat them back in 2009.

And Porto coach Pereira believes striker Hulk will respond well to being substituted during his side's last league match.

Hulk was furious at being taken off after an hour of the 3-0 win over Pacos de Ferreira, but Pereira said: "Basically, Hulk walked out upset about himself, for not being able to put his quality into helping the team.

"His relationship with his team-mates and the staff is the best possible. Showing his frustration, he wanted to leave the pitch at once and be alone.

"He will have a great comeback in the next match and the fans will answer him with applause and thank him for all he's given to the club."