Hertha out to draw Rapid's sting

Held again
Saturday's 1-1 result at VfL Wolfsburg evoked mixed feelings in the Hertha camp; it was their fifth successive league draw, but they were fortunate to come away with a point after having both Arne Friedrich and Malik Fathi sent off. "I don't know whether to laugh or cry about the point from the Wolfsburg game," said Hertha coach Falko Götz, who will adopt a cautious approach against Rapid. "We have to prepare for a side which will come to Berlin to defend. We have to lay a good foundation for the second leg." Much will depend on Hertha's Brazilian playmaker Marcelinho, who has boldly promised to find the target against the Romanian side. "I will score a goal on Wednesday," he said.

Selection problems
The thought that Rapid may not be primed to attack will suit Götz, who is short of defensive options with Dick van Burik, Josip Šimunić, Oliver Schröder and Gilberto all missing. Friedrich and Fathi are available despite their domestic suspensions, although Andreas Neuendorf is banned and forward Marko Pantelić is ineligible having already represented FK Crvena Zvezda in the UEFA Cup this season.

Swiss preparations
Rapid, who have failed to beat German opposition in five previous attempts in UEFA competition, arrived in Berlin following a training camp in Switzerland and were boosted by the news that goalkeeper Danut Coman and midfielder Marius Maldarasanu should recover from injury in time to play. Rapid captain Vasile Maftei said: "We are ready for the battle with Hertha. We are more prepared than ever."

Scoring target
Rapid, the only Romanian side still in contention in three competitions, are in confident mood ahead of their trip to Germany and contrary to what Götz believes, are keen to get at least one goal to tilt the tie in their favour. Defender Marius Constantin believes an away goal could make all the difference. "If we score once here, we'll have the upper hand in the second leg in our own stadium," he said.