Müller plots Porto apocalypse

By Darren Tulett

After a 2-0 defeat in Portugal on Matchday 9, the odds are firmly against Olympique Lyonnais reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Two goals down and without the comfort of an away goal, Lyon captain Patrick Müller is confident that his side can upset the odds against FC Porto at the Stade Gerland.

Impossible dream
"Not many people think we can qualify but the players here all think that we can," the Swiss international defender told uefa.com. "We have to stop them from scoring, but we have almost nothing to lose after a 2-0 first-leg defeat."

First defeat
Porto's run of 27 matches without defeat in the SuperLiga ended at the weekend as they lost 2-0 at Gil Vicente FC. It was the first time José Mourinho's side had failed to score in a game away from home this season, a statistic that Muller is keen to see repeated in France. And with the right attitude, he remains convinced that Lyon can take the UEFA Cup holders to task.

'Under pressure'
"It was a strange game," Müller said, thinking back to the first leg. "We never really got into our stride and we gave the ball away too often. They had just eliminated Manchester United [FC] and we knew all about their unbeaten record. We played too much of a waiting game but we didn't dare to play the way we can. This time we will have to play like the real Lyon and put them under pressure."

Stars in reserve
The French side are missing forward Sidney Govou, midfield player Eric Carrière and defender Claudio Caçapa through injury, but Müller remains unconcerned. "Despite the injuries, we have the players here to beat them," he said. "In midfield we have people who can win the ball and keep the ball, and that's where the game may be decided. We have to get at them straight from the start and an early goal would be ideal."

Shining example
Lyon have never got beyond the quarter-final stage of the tournament before but hope a dramatic UEFA Cup comeback against Club Brugge KV two years ago can set a template for Wednesday's display. Having lost the first leg 4-1 in Belgium, they won 3-0 in France to progress. "Brugge may not be Porto but the fact we were able to do that gives us hope," Müller said. "That night the crowd really lifted us and it was a memorable comeback."

Deco art
Porto will be boosted by the return of Jorge Costa, who missed the first leg. But their strength, according to the Lyon captain, comes higher up the pitch. "I was particularly impressed by Deco," Müller said. "Technically he is really strong, and he is difficult to mark. He can drift to the right or left and he organises their game. He is the key player."

'Everything we've got'
Lyon coach Paul Le Guen has warned his defence to be vigilant as one goal against them and Lyon will need to score four to get through. But Müller is adamant that the 2-0 deficit can be bridged. "Porto are beatable," he concluded. "This is a Champions League quarter-final and we're going to give it everything we've got."