Sæternes shows his worth

By Mark Bennett in Bruges

Substitute Bengt Sæternes said he scored a "vital goal" to earn Club Brugge KV a point against RC Celta de Vigo in their UEFA Champions League Group H opener - but then revealed that he was unsure of his place at the club.

Saeternes joy
The Norwegian striker was overjoyed as his 84th-minute strike saved his side from defeat, despite being reduced to nine men, and hopes his match-saving performance will earn him a place in the starting lineup when his team play AFC Ajax on 1 October.

'Vital goal'
"It was a vital goal for me because I have not played much so far this season," Sæternes said. "I knew we could score when I was warming up as I could see their defenders were tiring. I hope the goal and the red cards for Sandy Martens and Andrés Mendoza will allow me to start in the next match. If I do not I will have to talk to the club and ask if I am still part of their plans."

'We need Bengt'
Brugge coach Trond Sollied wasted no time in assuring the 27-year-old striker that he is counted upon and has an important role to play. "As we saw today we need Bengt," he said. "The goal was great for him and hopefully it will build his confidence. The dismissals mean he is now even more key to the side."

Coach content
Sollied was delighted his team, who boast only three wins from their previous 12 Champions League games prevailed to overcome a numerical disadvantage and take a point from a match in which they were outplayed for long periods. "After the way the game went I have to be happy with a point," he said. "We managed to get it because the players have character and are physically strong."

Lotina unhappy
Celta coach Miguel Ángel Lotina, meanwhile, was less satisfied, even though his team were making their Champions League debut. "If you had told me beforehand we would get a draw I would have been pleased. But looking at the game I would say we dropped two points. We failed to cash in on having more players on the pitch and could not hang on to the lead," he said.

Juanfran frustration
Celta midfield player Juanfran, whose well-taken 50th-minute goal put his team ahead, was similarly frustrated. "Today we will go back feeling we did not do the job properly," he said. "Brugge are a good side but we deserved all three points."

Wide open
Both coaches believe AC Milan, 1-0 victors against AFC Ajax, are certain to win the group but remain convinced the race for second place will be keenly contested. "We need a few games to see where we stand, but I have always believed Milan are the favourites and the other place is up for grabs," said Sollied, who must now prepare for a trip to Amsterdam.

'Tough battle'
Lotina is of the same opinion - and is getting ready for more testing encounters. "We know who the favourites are in the group," he said. "But it will be a tough battle for second spot between Brugge, Ajax and ourselves."