BATE undaunted by Steaua power

Midfielder Pavel Platonov was pondering "an even bigger breakthrough" as his FC BATE Borisov prepared for an unlikely visit from FC Steaua Bucuresti tonight.

Belarussian first
BATE have already made Belarussian history by becoming the first local side to progress through two qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League, and Igor Kriushenko's side are now within 180 minutes of the group stage. Their Romanian guests start the tie as overwhelming favourites to progress but Platonov is hoping he and his team-mates, who have a six-point domestic league lead after 15 games, can throw a spanner in the works.

'Who knows?'
"Steaua are an extremely strong team who demolished FC Dynamo Kyiv in a UEFA Champions League group stage match last year," said the 21-year-old. "I have looked at Steaua's squad and have seen how many players are internationals. It will be very tough but now we have some confidence. Who knows? Maybe we can accomplish an even bigger breakthrough for Belarussian football."

Pragmatic approach
With international legend Gheorghe Hagi now at the helm, Steaua have started the season with wins in their opening three domestic games and both legs of their second qualifying round tie against Zagłębie Lubin, albeit with a style of football which is more pragmatic than spectacular. As forward Dorel Zaharia put it: "We only play spectacular football once we are certain of victory."

Great start

'Focused and modest'
Midfielder Vasilica Cristocea and forward Victoras Iacob remain on the long-term injured list for Steaua, and Hagi is urging his players to take BATE seriously before the second leg in Bucharest on 29 August. "We have to stay focused and modest," he said. "We know all we need to know about our opponents, who are very quick, strong and skilful. That's why we cannot sit back and deny the Belarussian side respect and attention."