Espanyol aim to reign in Spain
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Article summary
RCD Espanyol are hoping to end a run of draws when they take on Brøndby IF in Group B as they look to book a UEFA Cup knockout stage berth.
Article body
Comeback kings
The Primera División outfit have been forced to come from behind to earn draws in their last two games against US Città di Palermo and Club Atlético de Madrid. The draw with Palermo has put them in a strong position in their UEFA Cup section and they could seal their place in the last 32 with victory in Denmark.
Ankle problem
Coach Miguel Ángel Lotina has a number of key players back for the match, with defenders Albert Lopo and David García both travelling to Copenhagen, and Iván de la Peña back after being rested in the league. The news is not so good for Brazilian midfield player Eduardo Costa who will take two weeks to recover from a thigh injury.
'Tough match'
The returning Lopo is looking forward to the Matchday 4 and believes it is crucial they avoided defeat against Brøndby. "It will be a very tough match, but I hope we continue doing well and achieve the ticket for the next round," he said. "The fact that we haven't lost our matches is very good for the team and we all feel more confident."
'Great attitude'
Brøndby, who sit fourth in the group with three points from two games, returned to winning ways after Saturday's 1-0 away win over Odense BK in the Danish Superleague. "The concentration and the attitude by the players were good in the OB game," said Brøndby coach Michael Laudrup, who welcomes defender Trond Andersen and midfielder Martin Retov back from injury.
'Good chance'