Boavista on familiar ground

By Luke Gosset

Boavista FC are striving to recover a UEFA Cup first-leg deficit for the fourth time this season in Thursday's quarter-final decider against Málaga CF at the Bessa stadium.

Comeback kings 
The Porto side trail 1-0 to Julio Dely Valdés's goal at La Rosaleda last week but remain unperturbed having already come from behind to beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Paris Saint-Germain FC and Hertha BSC Berlin in the current campaign.

Result disparity 
The disparity between Boavista's European and domestic performances may not be as pronounced as FC Barcelona's, but Jaime Pacheco's team have certainly been more impressive in Europe than in the Portuguese Super Liga, where they lie 35 points behind leaders FC Porto.

Confidence boost 
Boavista's confidence was improved by the scoreless draw against Sporting Clube de Portugal at the weekend, when they played with ten men from the fifth minute. The return of top scorer Silva, who missed the first leg through suspension, is also a boost.

Silva prediction 
The Brazilian striker is convinced Boavista can overcome an unenviable position once again. "We showed patience against Hertha," he said. "We kept our focus and the home goal came right on cue. We are convinced our resilient spirit will prevail once more. This game is fundamental to our season. We know we have a difficult task but we've been working hard."

Team affairs 
As well as Silva, striker Luiz Cláudio and midfield players Pedro Santos and Filipe Anunciação are back in contention after injury and suspension but right-back Rui Óscar and central defender Fernando Ávalos miss out because of yellow cards. Playmaker Erwin Sánchez is also still sidelined with a serious cruciate ligament injury.

Formidable rival 
Málaga have proved formidable opponents in their maiden season in the UEFA Cup. Joaquín Peiró's side are undefeated in the tournament and have conceded just three goals, fewer than any remaining team in European competition. Their nerve has also proved solid, as was demonstrated last month when they travelled to AEK Athens FC and won 1-0 at the intimidating Nikos Goumas stadium. In December they secured a 2-1 victory against Leeds United AFC at Elland Road.

Tactical change 
The Andalusian team may break with attacking tradition and sit back on Thursday. "There's no need for us to risk everything going forward but it's important we create chances and take them," Peiró said. "A goal will be vital to our chances. We only have a slight advantage. Two years ago Boavista won the league and this season they have also played in the Champions League. We're worried about that, but if we can maintain the attitude we have shown in previous rounds it will be hard for us not to reach the semis."

Youth chance
Defender Vicente Valcarce (leg) and midfield player Gerardo García (ankle) are both ruled out for Málaga, while Marcelo Romero is suspended. Nacho Pérez, Juanito and Raúl Iznata have been drafted in from the youth team as cover.