It's back to the future as Koeman eyes Barcelona upset
Benfica coach Ronald Koeman is plotting the downfall of Barcelona in the Champions League Tuesday -- 14 years after inspiring the Catalan giants to their greatest victory in European football.
Koeman assured himself of a place in Barca folklore by rifling in the extra-time freekick that earned the club a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria in the 1992 European Cup final, their lone triumph in the competition.
That famous win at Wembley was the highlight of six successful seasons at the Nou Camp for Koeman, who also had a brief spell as assistant coach to Barca during the 1990s.
But Koeman's emotional ties to the Spanish champions will count for nothing in Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Stadium of Light, as the Portuguese champions attempt to pull off another giant-killing act.
Benfica have already accounted for holders Liverpool and Manchester United in this season's competition but Koeman is adamant his side will be firm underdogs in Lisbon.
"I'd put our chances of going through at less than 50 percent," said Koeman, who will be pitting his wits against Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, his former Holland team-mate.
"They're an attractive side who like to force the pace and go all out in attack. They have a great forward line and don't really have a weak spot.
"But when you play a team like Barca you're totally up for it. We know that people consider Barcelona the superior side but I think we can surprise them."
Benfica's chances have been boosted by the fact that Barcelona's defence has been decimated by injuries and suspension.
Barca captain Carles Puyol misses the first leg after picking up a yellow card against Chelsea in the previous round, while Brazilian defender Edmilson and Mexican international Rafa Marquez are both absent through injury.
Yet while Argentinian prodigy Leo Messi will also be missing from the Barcelona attack, the Catalans still have a fearsome array of talent to call on, with World Player of the Year Ronaldinho the focal point.
Barcelona's Portuguese midfield playmaker Deco has sounded a note of caution for those forecasting an easy win for the Spaniards, the tournament favourites.
"We have to respect Benfica because they are a great team," Deco said.
"I think we know that it is going to be difficult to dominate them in the Stadium of Light, it's an inferno. I'm expecting it to be a very intimidating atmosphere but we are very motivated and we'll be playing to our limit."
Koeman meanwhile has some selection worries of his own, missing Portuguese international Nuno Gomes through suspension.
Koeman knows they cannot afford any slip-ups at home if they are to emerge from the second leg at the Camp Nou on April 5 with a ticket to the last four.
While Barcelona suffered a slight blip in their race to the Spanish league title, drawing 0-0 away at Malaga on Saturday, Koeman reignited Benfica's bid for domestic honours with a 1-0 win against 10-man Sporting Braga.
Sunday's training session was closed to the press, but Koeman admitted the team's spirits are riding high.
"It was very important for us to win ahead of the Barcelona tie. We know they're a great team but we also know that we can surprise them. Anything is possible," he said.
Rijkaard's Barcelona had to make do with a goalless draw against Malaga, but they remain comfortably on course for the Spanish title, leading La Liga by 11 points. The Dutchman rested Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho for the match, which saw Malaga keeper Francesc Arnau, and some poor Barca finishing, ensure the match remained scoreless.
Rijkaard will only be hoping that Ronaldinho and strike partner Eto'o, who hit the cross bar in the dying minutes on Saturday, do not suffer the same fate in Lisbon.
AFP
