The blue and yellows firmly believe that they can do it against the experienced "Lions" who are in the worst phase of the last decade, but they count a participation in the semifinals (pre-year) and four exclusions in the "16" phase in the last five years.
The statements
Ivan Jovanovic said that "we do not have much to lose but we have a lot to gain" to add William Boaventura that "1-0 is not difficult to overthrow". Remy Gard noted that "it is not enough to be good midfielders but we will need to defend well" and Kim Kalstrom said that "I do not think we will be affected from home".
From an absence
Out of the plans is the punished Elio Pinto, who received an unnecessary yellow card in the first game and was inconsolable in the last training session. It will be difficult for Ivan Triskovski, who initially suffered from a leg problem and after back pain - he has trained once in the last ten days - to play, although his participation (even in the 18th) will be judged shortly before the kick-off. Ioan Gourcuff stayed in Lyon, while Gard said that Lovren can now help him, even though he has three months to play.
Probably with 4-4-2
APOEL is expected to play with 4-4-2 and attacking duo Solari - Ailton, which was tested in the match with Hermes and training on Monday (05/03). The Brazilian was promoted to the last training session. Elder will take the place of Pinto next to Morais with wingers Mandouka - Charalambidis and frame in the defense Poursaitidis - Oliveira - George - Boaventura in front of Chiotis. It would not be a surprise if Kaka played instead of Oliveira, as he had done exceptionally well for Lisandro in the first match.
The French are waiting 4-5-1
French reporters estimate that Gard will play 4-5-1, Loris at the end, 4th behind Reveier - Kone (or Lovren) - Chris - Sissoko and cutters Kalstrom - Gonalon. On the right wing they see Jimmy Brian as he marks better, on the left Bastos and Grenier in the center, that is, the scorer of the first match Lacazette, Anderson and Gomis remain on the bench, since Lisandro will be the center forward.
The Spanish ref
The match will be whistled by 39-year-old Spaniard Alberto Magienko who in 2004, in one of his first international games, had angered the people of APOEL with his whistles in the match against Sparta Prague (2-2) for the Champions League, denying two penalty in the team of Nicosia. It is considered a "card". Last year he led the Spanish Cup final (Barcelona - Real) while he has twice whistled the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Chelsea - Manchester City (0-1) and Bordeaux - Lyon (1-0).
Ticket record
The GSP has worn festively and the inscriptions "The road to Munich", where the final will take place, cause awe. Although the exact number is not known, more than 22.537 tickets have been sold, which was the record attendance (with the new layout) from the match against Shakhtar. The absolute record is 23.043 11-12 years ago when the GSP said more seats. The French will have 150 fans in the north and 200 in the west.
- A fundraiser will be held on all four platforms for the 24-year-old fan Augustinos Matsoudias who needs immediate financial support in his battle with cancer.
In 77 countries
There are 204 accredited journalists and the match will be broadcast in 77 countries. APOEL has already achieved the biggest surprise in the 20-year history of the Champions League and if it qualifies tonight it will be the biggest miracle in the 55-year history of the European Champions League Cup. Many foreigners wanted to be present so they went down to Cyprus or chose to show the GSP match despite Barcelona - Leverkusen which has already been judged.
Source: KATHIMERINI / Mikaelo Papadakis