Ferreira wary of APOEL threat

Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by PA

Porto manager Jesualdo Ferreira is refusing to underestimate his side's opponents ahead of their Champions League game at home to APOEL on Wednesday.

Porto, who won the competition under Jose Mourinho in 2004, are currently second in Group D behind Chelsea with three points after the defeat of Atletico Madrid last time out.

That followed the narrow loss to Chelsea in the first match of their European campaign and they will be looking to take maximum points with the west London club boasting a 100% record and clear favourites to progress.

APOEL are third with one point, but the Portuguese side will be expected to win comfortably and consolidate second place in the group with Chelsea hosting bottom side Atletico Madrid.

Ferreira, though, is refusing to be complacent.

He told the Record: "No two games are the same. Each game brings different responsibilities. But this is our job and we draw optimism and confidence from that.

"Playing as a team will be important."

APOEL defender Paulo Jorge is in his first season in Cyprus, having previously played for Braga since 1999, but he is set to miss the game with a thigh injury.

Jorge admits it will be difficult for the visitors to come away with a positive result, but insists his side are not going in to the match with a defeatist attitude.

"Porto are clear favourites, but we want to make a effort," he said.

Porto have never faced a side from Cyprus before and will be hoping to use the opportunity to improve their home record, having failed to score in three of their last five Champions League home games.

Fernando Belluschi and Diego Valeri are injured and will miss the game for the hosts, but Romania striker Sapunaru is set to return after a prolonged absence due to injury.

APOEL have yet to score in their debut season in Europe's premier club competition but have already claimed a creditable goalless draw with Atletico and were only beaten 1-0 by English giants Chelsea.