Aina Warns Forest: Porto Are Champions League Quality — But We’re Ready

Ola Aina isn’t pretending this is easy. But he’s not flinching either.

The Nigerian defender heads to Porto’s Estádio do Dragão on April 9 for the UEFA Europa League first-leg quarterfinal knowing exactly what his side is walking into. He said so himself.

“Porto have always been a quality team,” Aina said. “They’re normally in the Champions League — so you know that they’re a big side. They’ve got great players, so we know it’s going to be a tough job.”

Then the other half: “But ultimately, we’ve got good players as well.”

Nottingham Forest have earned the right to be here. Aina returned from injury to feature in all six qualifying matches, contributing one assist as Forest worked their way through to the last eight. The European nights have changed something at the City Ground — and credit, Aina says, goes to manager Vítor Pereira.

“He’s brought a calmness to the team and the group that we have here.”

Porto are serial European contenders. They live in the Champions League. Walking into their stadium in a one-legged tie is not where you want to be behind.

But Forest have beaten the odds before. Aina knows the challenge. He also knows what this squad is capable of when the lights are on. April 9 finds out which version shows up.