PSG out to foil Braga history-makers

SC Braga coach Jorge Jesus has hailed his side's "spectacular run" in Europe so far this season while right-back João Pereira insists the Portuguese side "don't feel the pressure" as they welcome Paris Saint-Germain FC with their UEFA Cup tie finely balanced following a goalless first leg.

Historic opportunity 
Braga started their continental campaign in late July in the last ever UEFA Intertoto Cup and will be presented with a trophy before kick-off on Thursday to acknowledge their achievement of getting further in the UEFA Cup than any of their ten fellow winners of the summer competition. Following their 0-0 draw last week in France, the Liga outfit now hope to set another landmark by reaching the UEFA Cup quarter-finals for the first time – not that the players are showing any nerves ahead of the decider. "We don't feel the pressure to make history," said Pereira. "If we manage to eliminate PSG it will certainly give enormous joy to everybody at the club, but we know it will not be easy to win."

'Spectacular run'
Jorge Jesus's team are also doing well domestically and lie fourth in the Portuguese Liga, but the coach has been particularly impressed with his players' form on the European stage. "We've only lost against two teams: Milan and Wolfsburg," said the 54-year-old. "All the sides that we beat are top clubs. It's a spectacular run and we would like to be fresh on Thursday because we have the ability to go beyond this round."

Revamped lineup
With that in mind, Jorge Jesus put out a revamped lineup against A. Académica de Coimbra on Sunday with only five regulars starting the 1-1 draw. Even so, one of those – César Peixoto – is a doubt for PSG after he limped off with a right thigh injury while Albert Meyong (left foot), Moisés (groin) and Paulo Jorge (left thigh) are definitely out.

'Real chance'
PSG arrive in Portugal licking their wounds after their seven-match unbeaten league run was ended by old rivals Olympique de Marseille on Sunday. The 3-1 home loss cost Paul Le Guen's side top spot, but the coach remains positive as the club aim to reach a European quarter-final for the first time since they were UEFA Cup Winners' Cup runners-up in 1996/97. "Hats off to Marseille but now we must show that we can bounce back," he said. "I'm not surprised Braga held us after watching them before the first leg but we have a real chance to go through." Bar Loris Arnaud, PSG can report a clean bill of heath although Le Guen may opt to rest the likes of Claude Makelele or Ludovic Giuly with a trip to fellow Ligue 1 high-fliers Toulouse FC looming at the weekend.