Goncharenko urges BATE caution

'Great potential'
Wednesday's 1-1 stalemate with PFC Levski Sofia in Belarus sealed a 2-1 triumph overall and Goncharenko was quick to forgive Gennadi Bliznyuk, whose red card just before the break made life difficult for the hosts. "Gena's goals saved us so many times that it was our job to help him out now," said the 30-year-old. "I've said it before and I'll say it again with great pleasure: I have an outstanding team with great potential. Our dream has come true."

'Not ready'
Goncharenko is nonetheless cautious regarding BATE's prospects in the competition: "To tell the truth, we're not ready. We weren't looking too far ahead and we concentrated only on the Levski date. As a matter of fact, I can't imagine how we'll be come mid-September. But we still have some time to sit down, discuss things and come up with something. I'd like to face some of Europe's top guns in the group. That'll help us get a real sense of the tournament."

'Less pressure'
The squad will receive a €1m bonus for becoming the first Belarusian team to break through into Europe's premier club competition, but many of the players' thoughts were occupied with potential opponents ahead of this evening's draw in Monaco. "It would be nice to bring Europe's finest to Belarus," commented midfielder Sergei Kryvets. "Personally, I want to face Real Madrid [CF]. I don't think we'll let our fans down. Our opponents may underestimate us, so there could be less pressure. It will also be easier for us mentally. Today everyone was demanding a win."

Stadium issue
The locals have certainly been swept up in the euphoria, with people of all ages dancing in the streets and the air filled with the sound of car horns well into the night. BATE's stadium caters for just 5,000 supporters, however, and does not meet UEFA requirements, meaning fans will have to travel to Minsk to watch their heroes in action.