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Villarreal’s Diego Lopez: We can defeat Porto and reach Europa League final
May 4, 2011 11:00:00 PM
Spanish custodian concedes that it will be tough defeating the Portuguese giants at home but does not let go of optimism ahead of the second-leg
| Bet: | Returns: | Villarreal £11.82 | Draw £70.00 | Xerez £150.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Villarreal £11.70 | Draw £60.00 | Xerez £120.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Villarreal £11.67 | Draw £55.00 | Xerez £110.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Villarreal £11.80 | Draw £65.00 | Xerez £150.00 |
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Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez refuses to relinquish hopes of reaching the final of the Europa League despite a big deficit from the first-leg of their semi-final tie against Porto.
The Yellow Submarine lost 5-1 to the newly crowned Portuguese champions last week and now face an uphill struggle to qualify for the final in Dublin later this month.
However, Lopez remains confident in his side’s ability to turnaround the tie but admits that it is not going to be easy.
"We need to believe in ourselves first so we can turn the tie around," said the Spaniard, according to PA. "It could hardly be more difficult, but it's not impossible. It's going to be difficult, but in the dressing room we are convinced that we can achieve it."
The Spanish side had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time last week but capitulated in the second session, conceding no fewer than five times.
Reflecting on the eventful game in Portugal, Lopez said: "Porto played great football for 30 minutes, but we were better in the rest of the game. We are ready to give our all and show that we are a great team and that we can beat them.”
The Spain international added: "We have total confidence in our strikers. I hope that we each have a perfect game to achieve something historic for this club. Something that would be remembered for a long time."
Villarreal have a 100 per cent record in seven European games at El Madrigal this season, scoring 20 goals and conceding just three in the process.
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Champions League final - LIVE!
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will battle it out at Wembley for European glory. Get involved by sending us your thoughts via Twitter or Facebook! Hosted by Mark Doyle.
8:00 PM BST
It's time to call an end to our discussion of Jose Mourinho's impending depature from Real Madrid here.
However, you can check out Ben Hayward's feature on the Portguese parting ways with Florentino Perez HERE or read our news story in full HERE.
Stick around on Goal for all the further reaction tonight and tomorrow!
However, you can check out Ben Hayward's feature on the Portguese parting ways with Florentino Perez HERE or read our news story in full HERE.
Stick around on Goal for all the further reaction tonight and tomorrow!
7:51 PM BST
Ayodele Olas (@Olasking) tweeted: "If Mourinho is so good let him take over from Sunderland or QPR and let's see if he can win the Champions League, then I will respect him."
I feel like people complaining that top coaches only take over top clubs are missing the point. Taking over lesser clubs would squash their ambition - just look at Pep Guardiola, going from Barcelona to Bayern Munich.
Azam Nor Edwards (@AzamEdwards) tweeted: "Real Madrid are too big for him. Chelsea only just right club for him I thought."
And Chelsea are favourites to swoop him back up, though Paris Saint-Germain,officially managerless Manchester City and Monaco are all outside contenders.
I feel like people complaining that top coaches only take over top clubs are missing the point. Taking over lesser clubs would squash their ambition - just look at Pep Guardiola, going from Barcelona to Bayern Munich.
Azam Nor Edwards (@AzamEdwards) tweeted: "Real Madrid are too big for him. Chelsea only just right club for him I thought."
And Chelsea are favourites to swoop him back up, though Paris Saint-Germain,officially managerless Manchester City and Monaco are all outside contenders.
7:44 PM BST
Florentino Perez also addressed Real Madrid's approach for Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti: "I want to express my utmost respect for the PSG and their owners. A few days ago, the CEO went to the PSG to see whether it was possible that he could come and they said no. That is an issue that we will address tomorrow, we have a few days to think on it. There are several candidates [not just Ancelotti]."
7:37 PM BST
The Florentino Perez press conference is complete. There will undoubtedly be a few straggling quotes knocking about which I've yet to put in here, I'll keep a look out.
In the meantime, get in touch on Twitter to have your say on whether you think sacking Jose Mourinho was the right choice by Real Madrid!
In the meantime, get in touch on Twitter to have your say on whether you think sacking Jose Mourinho was the right choice by Real Madrid!
7:33 PM BST
Where next for Jose Mourinho?
The popular choice remains Chelsea but could Paris Saint-Germain do a straight swap for the Portuguese, with Carlo Ancelotti going the other way to Real Madrid? Or is there another club that you can picture the Portuguese trainer rocking up at?
The popular choice remains Chelsea but could Paris Saint-Germain do a straight swap for the Portuguese, with Carlo Ancelotti going the other way to Real Madrid? Or is there another club that you can picture the Portuguese trainer rocking up at?
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