Tonight's Thun's night for 'Lustrigol'

FC Thun striker Mauro Lustrinelli has taken plenty of encouragement from the narrow defeat by Arsenal FC a fortnight ago, and is confident the Swiss club will register their first UEFA Champions League win against AC Sparta Praha tonight.

Bergkamp blow
A major upset looked to be on the cards when Arsenal were reduced to ten men at Highbury following the first-half sending off of Robin van Persie, particularly when Nelson Ferreira cancelled out Gilberto Silva's opening goal. But as Thun closed in on what would have been a memorable result, Dennis Bergkamp pounced in injury-time to claim the points for Arsenal.

'Feeling very down'
It was a cruel way for Thun's Champions League debut to end, but Lustrinelli said they should be proud of the way they played. "In the dressing room immediately afterwards we were feeling very down," he told uefa.com. "But we soon realised that we'd put in a good performance. We proved that we're not out of our depth in this competition and that in itself is satifying."

'Arsenal favourites'
Lustrinelli, who scored three goals against FC Dynamo Kyiv and Malmö FF in the qualifying rounds, remains confident that Thun can progress from Group B. "We always felt Arsenal were the favourites," he said. "Even if they aren't so impressive without Thierry Henry, I think they'll beat AFC Ajax and Sparta at home, which means that our chances of qualifying haven't taken such a big blow."

'We have a chance'
A victory at the Stade de Suisse tonight would see Urs Schönenberger's team move right into contention. Thun beat the Czech side 2-1 in a friendly earlier this year, and Lustrinelli said: "We know we can cause them problems at home. When we beat them in Austria they were a tough, physical side with a good team game. But they don't have the star names that Arsenal have, so if we approach the game in the right way we have a chance."

Swiss international
Lustrinelli's qualities as a goal poacher are likely to be a key factor in Thun's campaign. Scorer of 20 goals last season, the former FC Wil 1900 striker, nicknamed 'Lustrigol', is one of the few internationals in Schönenberger's squad after making his debut for Switzerland this season.

'I can do damage'
The 29-year-old is convinced he can score regularly at the top level, but will be hoping for more support against Sparta. "I always play as a lone striker in the Champions League. The role suits me because I'm fast and good at finding space, but it was difficult against Arsenal," he admitted. "Defensively we were solid, but I was often isolated. We need to concentrate more when we have possession. If we can do that and if I receive more support, I know I can do damage."

Late developer
Sparta would be well advised to heed Lustrinelli's warning given his rapid rise. Just four years ago, he was completing an economics degree and only turned professional in his mid-twenties. "My career path is a bit unusual," he said. "But starting late has helped me because I'm more mature and mentally stronger than other players."

Maldini example
While most players begin to wind down in their thirties, Lustrinelli's career is just starting to gather speed. "I hope to be at my peak when Switzerland co-host [UEFA] EURO 2008™," he explained. "I have a lot left in my legs and I'd like to keep playing until I'm 35 or 36. Paolo Maldini is my inspiration. He's shown that if you stay fit and if you're strong mentally you can go on and on."