Rossiyanka ready for Voronezh showdown

Coach Tatiana Egorova rates FC Rossiyanka's chances at "50-50" against Russian rivals FC Energiya Voronezh in their UEFA Women's Champions League round of 16 showdown which begins with Thursday's away first leg.

In the past, only the traditionally dominant nations Germany and Sweden have produced "domestic" ties in UEFA women's club competitions, but Russia – who had 2009 runners-up in the shape of Zvezda-2005 – now join that list. Rossiyanka, who finished 22 points ahead of Energiya to take the Russian title last year, have won 17 of 18 league matches this season and Egorova is ambitious on all fronts.

"We won 23 of our 24 league outings last year and were looking for the same result this term," Egorova told UEFA.com. "We need to confirm our status having achieved the double last time. We have maximum goals and we have to reach them."

Voronezh lifted five Russian championships between 1997 and 2003, yet were then relegated and struggled on their top-flight return in 2008. However, they came third in 2009, nearly pipping Rossiyanka to a European place, and booked a European comeback for this season by finishing ahead of Zvezda last term. Now they are only seven points behind Rossiyanka in a campaign extended to next spring.

"We have known Energiya for a very long time and it's always hard to play against them," said Egorova. "They have a well-balanced squad with very good players in each position. They strengthened their squad last summer with a few foreigners such as Italian striker Pamela Conti and Spain midfielder Verónica Boquete. It means we can't underestimate them."

Rossiyanka just missed out on landing prolific Germany forward Inka Grings in the summer but boast Sweden striker Sofia Jakobsson, with her arrival crucial due to Nompumelelo Nyandeni's long-term injury. "Nompumelelo will not return this year," Egerova said. "It's a big blow for us. Some other players have picked up minor knocks but we can count on them."

So, if they get past Voronezh, does Egerova think her side are able to emulate or even better Zvezda's 2009 run? "Of course we want to win the UEFA Women's Champions League, but we prefer to move step by step," the coach said. "The next target is to qualify for the next round. Our chances are 50-50. The team who are in better shape, more motivated and do their work more efficiently will win. It's a pity only one Russian team will go through. But it is what it is, which is destiny."