FC Porto have an edge over Basel in Champions League return leg

Porto: After clinching a 1-1 draw in Switzerland in the first leg, FC Porto are a strong favorite to secure a Champions League quarter-final berth when they host Basel in Tuesday's return match.

The Portuguese club are a two-time European champion. The last time Basel made them to the tournament quarter-finals was four decades ago.

Here are some other things to know about the last-16 game in northern Portugal:

PORTO'S HOT STREAK

Porto have won their last six Portuguese league games without conceding a goal - their best run since the 2010-11 season.

In the Champions League group stage Porto were one of three clubs, with Real Madrid and Chelsea, to complete the first phase unbeaten.

Domestic champion in seven of the last 10 seasons, Porto currently lie second in the Portuguese league after an erratic start while new coach Julen Lopetegui found his feet, but it is now looking slick.

The Spaniard is in his first spell in charge of a club, and in his first Champions League campaign, after a career coaching Spanish youth teams.

TOP STRIKER MISSING

Porto suffered a big setback when Jackson Martinez sustained a thigh strain in Porto's 1-0 win last weekend against Braga. He is expected to be out for several weeks.

The Colombian striker was on course to be the top league goalscorer for a third successive season as he currently tops the charts with 17 goals in 24 rounds

"His absence is a loss because of his energy, his character and the example he sets for everyone," Lopetegui said.

Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar is expected to step into the gap.

Central defender Maicon is also in doubt, but midfielder Oliver Torres is back in training after a shoulder injury.

ADVANTAGE PORTO

Porto has a strong record against Swiss opponents, having lost just once in seven games.

Basel has scored in only four of their games against Portuguese teams and has never won in Portugal.

PORTUGUESE VS PORTUGUESE

Basel coach Paulo Sousa has a trump card: as a former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon player and having made 51 appearances for the Portugal national team, he knows Portuguese soccer well.

He has matured into an artful coach at Basel, who lead the Swiss championship and got into the Champions League knockout round with an auspicious 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

The Swiss team are benefiting from the form of striker Shkelzen Gashi, who took his season's tally to 16 league goals in a 3-0 win against FC Thun 3-0 at the weekend.

Defender Fabian Schar is back for Basel after a one-match ban.