Argentinean-born striker, Javier Saviola, was the first up today, and stressed the importance of Wednesday’s match: “The entire squad, the Club and all the fans are all so excited! There’s a wonderful feeling amongst everyone ahead of this match. We could make history by qualifying to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. It’s such an important game for all of us.”
His experience in the Portuguese League allows Saviola an insight into Wednesday’s rival at La Rosaleda: “Porto are a very respectable side who are very difficult to beat. They are a physical team with some quality players, who always try to impede their opponent’s game play, and have an impressive attacking display. We’ll have to pull out all the stops to win.”
Weligton, who is now fully recovered from injury, highlights the importance of an early goal: “We need to be smart. We’re up against a major team, who we know concede few goals, so it’s important that we don’t let any goals in early on which would make things a lot more difficult for us. We need to focus on scoring as early on in the match as we can in order to win and get through to the quarter-finals.”
Another one of the team captains, Portuguese-born Duda, adds: “We’ll need to give it 100 per cent on Wednesday to win.” The midfielder also agrees that Porto have some great players on the team.
For Portillo: “For a reserve player and a ‘Malagueño’, Wednesday’s game really is a dream come true. We are looking at the Champions League quarter-finals…and our dream could well become a reality. We’re very optimistic and confident that we can win at La Rosaleda with the amazing support of our fans. We’re absolutely determined to go out there on Wednesday and put our stamp on the game as early as possible.”
