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UEFA CUP: Barbarez fired up for all-German affair

/noticias.info/ History seems to augur well for Bayer 04 Leverkusen as they meet Hamburger SV in an all-German UEFA Cup tie with special resonance for midfielder Sergej Barbarez.

Memories and experience
Leverkusen have met German opposition once before in the UEFA Cup, in the 1987/88 edition, seeing off Werder Bremen in the last four on the way to beating RCD Espanyol on penalties in the two-legged final. The memory of that tie can certainly do much to inspire Michael Skibbe's side, as will the experience of their attacking fulcrum Barbarez.

'Like a final'
Now 36, Barbarez joined Leverkusen in summer 2006 after six successful seasons with Hamburg, and is clearly fired up by the prospect of meeting his old side. "These are going to be two great games," he said. "Like a final. We intend to at least do as well as we did last year when we reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. That means we have to get past HSV."

'Still special'
In the two years since he left Hamburg, Barbarez has scored eleven Bundesliga goals but is yet to find the target in four games against his old side. The time is perhaps right for him to break that duck, with Skibbe saying: "Matches against his former club are still special for him. With this game being on the European stage, this is sure to be a major highlight for Sergej."

Not forgotten
Hamburg have not forgotten what Barbarez is capable of, with playmaker Rafael van der Vaart saying: "He is an outstanding player. I would rather he was on our team. Hopefully he will not be in form on Thursday." However, coach Huub Stevens is calm. "We are keen to continue in Europe," said the Dutchman. "If we manage to score in the first leg, I would definitely not be disappointed."

Odd experience
David Jarolím admitted that facing German opposition in European competition will be unusual, but was sure his side could rise above it. "This feels somewhat strange but we have to progress. They are one of the most creative teams in the Bundesliga and are strong in attack, while we are based on a rock-solid defence. A German meeting in Europe has its appeal."

Injured players
Leverkusen will be without Vratislav Greško (pulled stomach muscle) and Dimitri Bulykin (torn knee ligaments) but Carsten Ramelow has recovered from knee problems. Hamburg cannot call on forward Romeo Castelen after keyhole surgery on his right knee while left-back Thimothée Atouba (minor bladder operation) is also unavailable. notas_de_prensa_archivo