Think that’s fair Trev, atmosphere was good in parts, but people were exhausted due to travel and day drinking coming to an abrupt end around 7PM. I remember observing Rangers fans in Seville for the Europa final and thinking it was strange how one of the noisiest fanbases in the UK were so quiet in such as big match, but it turned out they had similar issues with day drinking, then being left in the heat, no alcohol or water in the stadium, so they were simply wrecked by match time. I think this may have been an issue for us in Porto as well?
I dare say Italian fans don’t have the same drinking culture, but fair play to them they were very noisy and their songs were well orchestrated . Strange they could get drums and massive flags in yet as you say they were taking inflatables and flags over a certain size off Blues. Would have loved to have seen some of your guys flags over there, much better and more authentic than the free ones clubs the club provide.
The City end had pockets of singing spread right across the end right throughout the match, it wasn't fully carrying at points, when it did it was noisy. Overall it was impacted by the stuff mentioned above plus distance between stand and pitch with an open end. There definitely would have been better stadiums for creating an atmosphere.