'We will play against Dortmund as if it were a final' - Shakhtar's Taison

11-Feb-2013 9:05:00 PM

The Brazilian attacker is hungry for European success, and is determined to take the initiative when the German champions visit the Donbass Arena on Wednesday

Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Taison has vowed that his side will approach their Champions League round of 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund as if the trophy were up for grabs.

The Ukrainian side impressed during the group stage of the competition, and the Brazilian is determined to take his chance in Europe, starting with the visit of Jurgen Klopp's side on Wednesday.

"The [Champions League] clubs are stronger," he was quoted as saying by Uefa's official website.

"We have an important match against Dortmund, who are a great team. And we are working hard to play that match as if it were a final. So we hope to take them on and come away with a victory."

The Brazilian had just completed a switch to Donetsk from Metalist Kharkiv in January, and he is happy with the change of scenery, but noted South Americans have a hard time with the local weather.

"I'm happy," he continued. "It's a new chance, a new challenge for me at a big club like Shakhtar, and I hope I will be able to help my team-mates.

"I've been in Ukraine for two-and-a-half years. The worst thing is the cold; it's very cold, it gets down to -20, -18 sometimes and we boys from Brazil, where it doesn't get so cold, really get to know what cold is.

"But I've adapted well, I'm calmer now, I'm more accustomed to everything. Now I have a new club, with new Brazilian team-mates who are helping me a lot."