Nilmar issues Villarreal rallying cry

Nilmar says Villarreal CF "have a chance to make history" as the Spanish side attempt to overturn a 5-1 deficit against FC Porto and steal the most unlikely of UEFA Europa League final places.

"In football anything can happen and we must go out and create as many chances as we can," said the 26-year-old. "It will be very difficult, but we must just focus on scoring one goal at a time, not getting ahead of ourselves. The match is only over when the referee blows his whistle and Porto will not be relaxing: they will come out looking for the victory."

They certainly did after half-time in Portugal last week. Trailing to Cani's header just before the break, Falcao tore the visitors' ambitions to shreds after the restart with four expertly-taken goals. When full time finally halted his onslaught Villarreal's 1-0 lead was a 5-1 deficit. "We played very well until the last 25 minutes when we really let things slide," said Nilmar.

"We need to be tough when we go out onto the pitch and show the kind of quality football we've played the whole season. We are professionals so we know what we are up against but after the last game at home in the Liga [a 2-1 win against Getafe CF on Sunday] we have faith in ourselves. We must give our all, play 90 minutes of good football and make the most of our chances."

The Yellow Submarine have a 100% record at El Madrigal in seven European games this season, scoring 20 goals and conceding just three, two of which were consolation efforts in big aggregate victories. They can also take hope from their last UEFA Europa League fixture at home, when Nilmar scored twice in a 5-1 victory over FC Twente in the quarter-finals.

"I have never made a comeback like this but this is my first opportunity and we have a chance to make history," said the Brazilian international. "It will be hard but not impossible. I'm young, but history has shown many times that nothing is impossible in football. And behind us we have our fans, who will support us because they share our dream." Porto, though, will be keen to continue Villarreal's nightmare.