Deportivo (0) v FC Porto (0): Deportivo Coruna are in a "state of euphoria" going into the biggest match in their history when they host FC Porto tonight in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
With the tie finely balanced after a goalless draw in Portugal, the Galicians are flying high following a 2-0 win over Spanish champions Real Madrid on Saturday achieved without several of the club's first-team regulars.
"There is an atmosphere of euphoria at the club and we have to make the most of that to help us in the Champions League," coach Javier Irureta told reporters. "The win against Real has certainly strengthened our morale."
The Deportivo players, brimming with confidence anyway following their extraordinary 4-0 victory over European champions AC Milan in the quarter-final second leg, are fully aware of the significance of the match.
"It is clear to all of us that Tuesday's game is the most important in the history of the club and we need to be on absolute top form if we are to realise our dream of making the final," said midfielder Victor.
The closest Deportivo have come to winning a European trophy was eight seasons ago when they reached the semi-finals of the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup, but they missed out on the final after losing 2-0 on aggregate to Paris St Germain.
Now in just their fourth season in Europe's premier club competition, they have a great chance of reaching the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on May 26th.
"It's now or never," midfielder Fran told Spanish daily El Pais yesterday. "Getting this far is really difficult. No one ever thought we would still be in with a chance of being European champions."
Deportivo will be without defensive rock Jorge Andrade, sent off for a needless kick at old team-mate Deco in the first leg, and inspirational midfielder Mauro Silva who is also suspended.
Spanish international Cesar should slot into the back four in place of Andrade, while rugged Argentine Aldo Duscher will be Sergio's new partner in central midfield.
Porto are no strangers to European success having won the UEFA Cup last season and the European Cup back in 1987.
They also remain on course for a second successive treble having wrapped up the league title and booked their place in the Portuguese Cup final against Benfica.
They have lost just once in this season's Champions League, a 3-1 home defeat by Real Madrid in the group stage, and coach Jose Mourinho is quietly confident his team can continue their impressive away form.
"We are going to play with real ambition and a complete desire to win," he said. "Obviously, I can't be completely certain, but I have a strong belief that we will reach the final."
Porto will be boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Derlei Silva, the hero of last season's UEFA Cup campaign, who is back after four months out following knee surgery. "Despite the fact that I'm still lacking match practice, I feel good again and will do my bit to contribute," he said.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA: Molina; Pablo, Naybet, Cesar, Romero; Victor, Duscher, Sergio, Luque; Valeron; Pandiani.
FC PORTO: Baia; Ferreira, Costa, Carvalho, Valente; Costinha, Ribeiro, Mendes, Bosingwa, Souza; McCarthy.
Referee: P Collina (Italy)
