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FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao believes their Champions League tie with Liverpool is “one of the most balanced” in the last 16.

The Reds were left relatively pleased by Monday's draw for the first knockout stage of the competition.

Having avoided big guns such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus, a trip to Portugal was about the best they could have hoped for. And as group winners, Liverpool have the advantage of playing the second leg at home.

Still, Porto bring a stellar European pedigree with them, and on Sunday went to the top of the Liga NOS. In 14 league games this season, they have won 11 and drawn three, qualifying from their Champions League group ahead of both Naby Keita's RB Leipzig and Monaco, last season's semi finalists.

And discussing the draw, Conceicao was keen not to downplay his side's chances.

"There is still a lot of time left for those two games with Liverpool and we will see how we are at the time,” he said.

“There is one thing that is certain: we will continue to be a competitive team. We knew it was going to be difficult, no matter what opponent we had in the draw.

"Liverpool are an offensive team with very interesting players and I think they scored the second most goals in the group stage.

“But I think Liverpool also have their weaknesses. By knowing and being passionate about football, I'm following Liverpool's journey in the English League. We also know it's a historic club that has won five Champions League titles, but those numbers do not tell me anything.

“When the time comes we will prepare the games in the best way so we can continue to be a team which reflects the image of FC Porto. "

Conceicao added: "Honestly, contrary to what people say, I think this game maybe is one of the most balanced of the last 16 of the Champions League. "

The first leg of the tie will be played in Porto's Estadio do Dragao on Wednesday February 14, with the return at Anfield on Tuesday March 6.