Lucescu vs Lucescu

House divided
Romania are having an exceptional year in the UEFA Cup with 2004/05 champions FC Steaua Bucuresti and runners-up FC Dinamo Bucuresti joining Rapid in the group stage. However, Neli Lucescu - Mircea's husband and Razvan's mother - was in no mood to celebrate after the draw divided her family.

Despairing mother
"I have the worst luck anyone can have," she said. "It's impossible to support one of the two teams. Immediately after the draw, I was outraged that something like this could happen, but thinking sensibly, I realised it is a draw and nothing can be done to change it."

'Unlucky with draws'
Mircea Lucescu could only concur: "When I say I am unlucky with draws, people say I exaggerate. But now, what could be worse? As a father, I would like Razvan to win because he is my son. But I am also a professional and I want to win myself. I don't know how Neli will react.

Oedipal wrecks
"Of course, sons also want to overcome their fathers, like all students want to outsmart their teachers, so we are in for a tough match," he added. "Rapid are a very mobile side. In their seven UEFA Cup matches, they have won five and drawn two. I want my players to understand it's going to be deadly serious."

Rapid connection
The 60-year-old Mircea, who takes charge of his 101st game in UEFA club competition tonight, was Rapid coach in 1999 when they won their second Romanian title, while 36-year-old former Rapid goalkeeper Razvan was the club's vice-president when they secured their third championship in 2002/03. Lucescu Jr insists he has not been comparing notes with his father before their encounter in Ukraine.

No collision
"Shakhtar's coach is my father and it's normal to speak on the phone daily," said the Rapid coach. "But we only speak about our problems, not about the match. For us it's not a decisive fixture but we will have to prove our total commitment. Our self-confidence is our biggest strength."

Former charge
Lucescu Sr has a further sentimental attachment to complicate matters, with Stade Rennais FC also competing in Group G. "I want Rapid, Shakhtar and Rennes to go through, because Rennes are coached by Laszlo Bölöni, one of my ex-players in the Romanian national team," he said.

Family ties
The Lucescus are not the only family divided by the UEFA Cup draw. On 15 December, SK Slavia Praha coach Karel Jarolím will be leading one of his sons, Lukáš Jarolím, against another - David Jarolím - when they take on Hamburger SV.