Klose would settle for draw
Last time they were in Spain in December, a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League condemned them to a place in the UEFA Cup, where they are now preparing for a semi-final with Espanyol.
Germany striker Miroslav Klose will lead Bremen’s assault at the OlympicStadium tonight, but does not expect to get too many chances.
“A draw with one goal would be a good result for us,” he said. If we get the chance to win there, then we will take it.”
Injured trio Tim Borowski, Per Mertesacker and Pierre Wome will not make the trip.
Christian Schulz returns, however, and will occupy the left full-back role inplace of Patrick Owomoyela.
Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo believes the club’s fans can inspire his team to a crucial victory at Montjuic.
“The fans have been there for us on the big occasions and we need them to getbehind us again. We need all of the club’s members there cheering us on because the players react to that atmosphere,” he said.
Tamudo added: “There is a bit of impatience among the squad.
‘‘We just want to get out there and play. There are some nerves, but we know exactly what we have to do.”
Nevertheless, Tamudo believes his side are the underdogs against Bremen.
“Werder are a big team in Germany. They are fighting for the league title, arein the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup and were in the Champions League earlier on in the season, so they are favourites,” he said.
Winger Luis Garcia is suspended, but Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde can namean otherwise full-strength side.
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