Fuente : UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

UEFA Intertoto: Valencia look to home comforts

/noticias.info/ Striker Mista hopes Valencia CF can utilise home advantage tonight as they try to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit against Hamburger SV at the intimidating Mestalla stadium.

Home comforts
Sergej Barbarez's second-half strike was all that separated the sides in Germany a fortnight ago, and with a proud home record Valencia are confident of a successful comeback. "This time we are at the Mestalla and hopefully we can give our supporters something to cheer about," Mista said. "Hopefully this game will be the first steps on a pleasant journey for us."

Highs and lows
That European jaunt has had a rocky start, however, with new signing Edu sustaining a serious knee ligament tear in training on Saturday, which could sideline him for much of the season. Miguel Ángel Angulo may replace him in midfield after completing a seven-match ban, while Rubén Baraja returns from a knee problem to provide coach Quique Sánchez Flores with a welcome boost.

'Strong side'
Another newcomer, Portuguese right-back Miguel, was not registered in time for this evening's game. Nonetheless, after losing just three Spanish Primera División home matches last term, Valencia expect to be able to cope without him, even if Mista concedes it will not be easy. "Hamburg are a strong side that like to press the opposition," he said. "They proved a very difficult team to play against in the away leg."

Striking injuries
The Bundesliga club's cutting edge has been blunted by a series of injuries, though. With Barbarez ruled out by his late dismissal a fortnight ago, injuries to Benjamin Lauth and Stefan Beinlich could have been better timed for Hamburg coach Thomas Doll. The latter damaged a thigh two weeks ago, and Germany striker Lauth joined him in the treatment room after limping off with ankle trouble during the weekend's German Cup tie against SV Stuttgarter Kickers.

'Important week'
Lauth departed at the interval with the sides locked at 1-1 and Doll was heartened that his replacement, Naohiro Takahara, and another substitute forward, Mehdi Mahdavikia, both scored as Hamburg ran out 5-1 winners. "I'm delighted with them," Doll said. "It's always great to have such players as back-up and we might need their scoring ability in Valencia. It's an important week for the club." With a UEFA Cup spot at stake, it is a big week for Valencia too. notas_de_prensa_archivo