Pedro Barbosa's big day

By Hugo Pietra

At 34, Sporting Clube de Portugal captain Pedro Barbosa has been involved in his share of big games. However, as Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against PFC CSKA Moskva nears, the cool-headed midfield player was in no doubt that he was preparing for his biggest game to date.

First final
"I've had many important matches but in terms of European finals this is my first one," he told uefa.com. "This final will be a milestone in my career and if we win the UEFA Cup it will be even bigger still. In general terms this is the most important match of my career."

Massive occasion
However, if the sheer scale of the occasion at the Estádio José Alvalade was getting to the midfield player, it was not showing. The calm heart of the Sporting team, Pedro Barbosa is full of confidence as he wills his team-mates to write a glorious new chapter in the club's history.

Sporting satisfaction
"It is a great honour being captain of this team," he said. "It's so important that we are in the final because Sporting have never won this competition. This is a moment of great joy and satisfaction. We have a great team and we have been playing very well."

Tenth season
Having joined the club from Vitória SC in the summer of 1995, Pedro Barbosa is now in his tenth season at Sporting, and while he is no longer a Portuguese international, his football has not suffered from his advancing age. Indeed, his total of nine league goals this season is the highest of his career.

Attacking style
He has been helped in his task by a brilliantly marshalled Sporting side who have dazzled in Europe and in the SuperLiga with a brisk game which has put the emphasis on possession and attacking football. For Pedro Barbosa, it is the natural Sporting style which is showing through.

Club identity
"Sporting have a strong identity and a specific way of playing," he added. "We have really good players and I believe in the team. It is our deep wish to win this trophy for the club. It would be something historic for Sporting and for Portugal."

Fine opponents
However, having watched CSKA's previous games, Pedro Barbosa is well aware that Valeriy Gazzaev's CSKA side are a fine team and the final is no foregone conclusion. "Both teams have overcome some big obstacles and deserve to be in this final," he said. "In my opinion there are no favourites."

Vocal backing
With the teams so evenly matched on paper, it may be that home advantage is the decisive factor in the final. A sea of green-shirted supporters will doubtless do their best to will Sporting to victory, as Pedro Barbosa acknowledged.

High expectations
"At the final Sporting will have a lot more supporters in the stands and that might be an important factor for us," he said. "However, I think it will be an even game and I hope it will be a great football show. I expect Sporting will be the stronger team and win the competition."