Porto plot to deprive Deportivo
Most bookmakers have made hosts Deportivo La Coruna the favourites for this season's Champions League but Porto believe they may yet be able to upset the odds in their semi-final second leg.
Most bookmakers have made hosts Deportivo La Coruna the favourites for this season's Champions League but Porto believe they may yet be able to upset the odds in their semi-final second leg.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, 275 kilometres across the border in Portugal, the Portuguese champions feel confident that they can still get through to the final in the German town of Gelsenkirchen on May 26.
"If Deportivo feel they have the advantage by playing at home, I respect that. But I believe that we have a good chance. Why can't we win or get a 1-1 or 2-2 draw?" commented Porto coach Jose Mourinho last week.
Among the men Mourinho will be looking to make their mark will be his Brazilian striker Derlei, who was included in Porto's 19-man squad that was announced on Sunday.
Last season's UEFA Cup final man of the match, after scoring two goals against Scottish side Celtic, only returned to action a week ago after four months out injured with ruptured ligaments in his right knee.
However, Mourinho will be hoping Derlei has, at least partially, recovered the form and flair that took him to 13 goals in the first 15 games of the Portuguese league.
Derlei's return raises the question of whether he will replace Benni McCarthy as Porto's target man or whether Mourinho will play him alongside the South African striker, who had a lacklustre first leg against the Spaniards.
McCarthy has openly admitted that he trembles at the thought of going to Deportivo's claustrophic Riazor stadium, dating from the days when he used to play for their Galician rivals Celta Vigo.
"I hate going there," said McCarthy recently.
Deportivo coach Javier Irureta has asked the club's supporters to continue to make life as uncomfortable as possible for McCarthy and his colleagues.
"Our fans are worth an extra 10 percent. I hope they give us as much support on Tuesday as they did against Real Madrid," said Irureta after Deportivo's 2-0 victory over the reigning Spanish champions on Saturday.
After making wholesale changes and resting a number of key players against Real, Irureta will be putting out his top team against Porto.
"I know who is going to play against Porto, even if I have a couple of doubts about the positions," confirmed Irureta on Sunday.
Aldo Duscher looks set to come into the Deportivo midfield in place of the suspended Mauro Silva.
Deportivo's central defender Jorge Andrade was sent off against his former club in the first leg and the gap at the back is expected to be filled by Cesar Martin.
There were suggestions in the Spanish media on Sunday that Spanish international Diego Tristan should be recalled to the Deportivo starting lineup after his impressive game against Real, which included the opening goal.
However, Irureta is a creature of habit and is expected to stick with his Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani, who has scored six goals in this season's Champions League, despite his indifferent display in the first leg.