Lucescu asks Shakhtar to dig deep

Mircea Lucescu urged his FC Shakhtar Donetsk side to "prove that our success in the final UEFA Cup was not down to sheer luck" as they look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit at home against Fulham FC.

A tremendous strike from Bobby Zamora saw Roy Hodgson's Fulham take a slender advantage in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 opener at Craven Cottage, but having won eight of their last ten European home games, Lucescu's side know they can draw considerable strength from their home fans. "Our supporters are a mighty force," said Lucescu. "Their help was very important during the group stage. Now we must prove our success in the final UEFA Cup was not down to luck."

Rewind 11 months and the Pitmen were facing a similar task having lost the first leg of their UEFA Cup round of 16 tie 1-0 at PFC CSKA Moskva, but they duly won 2-0 in the return fixture in Donetsk to go through. "It's swings and roundabouts," said the Romanian coach. "Last year we needed two goals. It took a supreme effort. Now our task looks easier because one goal might be enough. On the other hand, before the home match against CSKA I didn't need to say anything to motivate my players. We have to focus. Any mistake might be crucial."

London sides have not thrived in Donetsk; Arsenal FC lost a 2000/01 UEFA Champions League group stage game 3-0 at Shakhtar, while late goals from Yevhen Seleznyov and Jadson saw the Pitmen beat Tottenham Hotspur FC 2-0 in last season's round of 32. Brazilian midfielder Willian remember that game very well, but was wary of making any comparison with the club's current opponents. "Fulham are a much better and more dangerous side," said the 21-year-old.