Win gives Olaroiu mixed feelings

FC Steaua Bucuresti coach Cosmin Olaroiu was left to rue missed chances after the home side failed to capitalise on their dominance in the UEFA Cup Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough FC. Nicolae Dica scored the only goal on the half-hour in Bucharest, and the English club's manager Steve McClaren agreed the margin could have been far greater.

Cosmin Olaroiu, Steaua coach
As I expected, it was a tough match against a very good team. We won but missed a number of good chances in the second half and you cannot afford to do that at this level. We did not concede, which is important too. We know the second leg will be hard but I'm confident we'll keep our composure and remain disciplined.

Steve McClaren, Middlesbrough coach
My players are obviously tired: this was our 56th official game this season and fourth in the last eight days. We played well in the first half, had some chances, and thought we had everything under control. It could have been worse in the second half and a 2-0 or 3-0 scoreline would have been almost impossible to overturn. But next week will be a totally different game. We know Steaua have a very good away record, but we can and have to score goals.

George Boateng, Middlesbrough midfielder
It could have been worse but we've been in more difficult situations in this competition and won through. I'm not saying it's easy, but we will be very confident going into the second leg. We will have Gareth Southgate and Mark Viduka back, so it's looking positive.