We begin our quest to reach successive Champions League semi-finals for the first time ever when we head to Portugal to face Sporting CP on Tuesday night (8pm UK).

While we head to the continent unbeaten in all 10 of our European games this season and suffering defeat once away from home in our last 10 away matches, the Estadio Jose Alvalade has been a fortress for Sporting, who have won their last 17 games on their own patch, which includes all five in this season’s Champions League.

A historic comeback against Bodo/Glimt saw them reach the quarter-finals for just the second time in their illustrious history, but one thing they have never done is beat us in regulation time in seven attempts, which includes last season’s 5-1 success in Lisbon.

SPORTING'S SURGE

Having won the past two Primeira Liga titles, Sporting's reign seemed to be coming to an end as they trailed Porto by seven points, albeit with a game in hand on their rivals. However, Friday saw them beat Santa Clara 4-2 and 24 hours later, Porto could only draw 2-2 with Famalicao, with a 99th-minute concession blowing the title race wide open again.

Lisbon have...