Barbarez fired up for all-German affair

History seems to augur well for Bayer 04 Leverkusen as they meet Hamburger SV in an all-German UEFA Cup tie with special resonance for midfielder Sergej Barbarez.

Memories and experience
Leverkusen have faced German opposition once before in the UEFA Cup, in 1987/88, seeing off Werder Bremen in the last four en route to beating RCD Espanyol on penalties in a two-legged final. Memories of that encounter can certainly do much to inspire Michael Skibbe's side, as will the experience of their attacking fulcrum Barbarez.

'Like a final'
Now 36, Barbarez joined Leverkusen in summer 2006 after six successful seasons with Hamburg, and is clearly fired up by the prospect of tackling his old team. "These are going to be two great games," said the former Bosnia-Herzegovnian international ahead of the BayArena showdown. "Like a final. We intend to do at least as well as we did last year when we reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. That means we have to get past HSV."

'Still special'
In the two years since he left Hamburg, Barbarez has scored eleven Bundesliga goals but he is yet to find the net in four matches against his former employers. The time may be right for him to break that duck, with Skibbe saying: "Matches against his old club are still special for him. With this game being on the European stage, this is sure to be a major highlight for Sergej."

Not forgotten
Nor have Hamburg forgotten what Barbarez is capable of, with playmaker Rafael van der Vaart saying: "He is an outstanding player. I would rather he was on our team. Hopefully he will not be in form on Thursday." However, coach Huub Stevens is keeping calm about this Round of 16 first-leg assignment. "We are keen to continue in Europe," said the Dutchman. "If we manage to score in the first leg, I would definitely not be disappointed."

Odd experience
For Hamburg midfielder David Jarolím, taking on German opposition in European competition will be unusual, although he is optimistic that his side will rise to the occasion. "It feels a bit strange but we have to progress. Leverkusen are one of the most creative teams in the Bundesliga and are strong in attack, while we are based on a rock-solid defence. A German meeting in Europe has its appeal."

Injured players
Leverkusen will be without Vratislav Greško (pulled stomach muscle) and Dimitri Bulykin (torn knee ligaments) but Carsten Ramelow has recovered from knee trouble. Hamburg cannot call on forward Romeo Castelen after keyhole surgery on his right knee while left-back Thimothée Atouba (minor bladder operation) is another absentee.