Opening goal holds key for buoyant Deportivo
“Two things are going to condition the game,” said Irureta. “The first thing is that both sides need to score and the second is that they will both want to take the initiative and gain control of the ball.
“I expect a fiercely disputed game at the start as we both compete to get possession and the team that wins that battle should go on to win the game.”
The first leg in Portugal ended in a dour goalless draw as both sides concentrated more on defensive duties than pushing forward.
But Irureta said he expected there to be far more scoring opportunities at the Riazor.
“Scoring first will be important and I think the game will be more open than the first leg. I think there will be more than one goal.”
Deportivo are in buoyant mood after their 2-0 win over Real Madrid at the weekend and Irureta said the euphoria that had hit the Atlantic coastal port would help spur the team on as they continued their bid to reach a first final in European competition.
“The atmosphere in the city certainly won’t weigh us down,” he said. “On the contrary it will help us. Having the whole city behind the team is an extra responsibility but it can only be beneficial to our chances.”
Although Depor enjoy home advantage Irureta said the suspensions handed to defender Jorge Andrade and midfielder Mauro Silva meant that neither team could be considered favourites. “I would say it is 50-50,” he said. “We are playing at the Riazor, but they have all their players available and we have two suspended so that evens things out.
“Porto are a very rugged team and will be very difficult to beat but it is our duty to take the initiative and go all out for the victory.”
Argentine Aldo Duscher, who will deputise for Mauro in the centre of midfield, said Deportivo could not afford to drop their guard during the match if they wanted to reach the final in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on May 26.
“We will need to be very alert because it is going to be a very hard game,” he said. “Porto have shown that they work hard for the full 90 minutes and they don’t lose their concentration, especially away from home. The side that makes the fewest errors will win the game.”
Deportivo have won all six home games in this season’s Champions League, including their remarkable 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the quarter-final, but Porto have not lost any of their five away matches.
“It is clear to all of us that this game is the most important in the history of the club and we need to be on absolute top form if we are to realise our dream of making the final,” midfielder Victor said.
Porto are no strangers to European success having won the UEFA Cup last season and the European Cup back in 1987.
They have lost just once in this season's Champions League, a 3-1 home defeat by Real Madrid in the group stage, and coach Jose Mourinho is quietly confident his team can continue their impressive away form.
“We are going to play with real ambition and a complete desire to win,” he said. “Obviously, I can’t be completely certain, but I have a strong belief that we will reach the final.”
Porto will be boosted by the return of Brazilian striker Derlei Silva, the hero of last season’s UEFA Cup campaign, who is back after four months out following knee surgery.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA (probable): Molina; Pablo, Naybet, Cesar, Romero; Victor, Duscher, Sergio, Luque; Valeron; Pandiani.
PORTO: Vitor Baia; Paulo Ferreira, Costa, Carvalho, Nuno Valente; Costinha, Maniche, Mendes, Bosingwa, Deco, McCarthy
Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy)
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