Levski lifted by returning heroes
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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Bulgarian side PFC Levski Sofia begin their latest bid for a UEFA Champions League place with help from two familiar faces after old favourites Elin Topuzakov and Cédric Bardon rejoined the club.
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Bulgarian titleholders PFC Levski Sofia begin their latest bid for a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage with help from two familiar faces after old favourites Elin Topuzakov and Cédric Bardon rejoined the club.
Friends reunited
The two 32-year-olds represent the Blues' only signings since they clinched a 26th league title in May. However, the return of Bulgaria defender Topuzakov on a free transfer from Israel's Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC, and that of French forward Bardon from Anorthosis Famagusta FC, means coach Emil Velev now has almost the same team that reached the group stage three years ago at his disposal.
Barren spell
Levski are without a win in European competition since getting to the UEFA Champions League's top table in 2006/07, a run of 13 games which includes their six group-stage defeats that autumn. Their hopes of ending that sequence have been boosted by the revenant duo, sending confidence soaring ahead of Wednesday's second qualifying round first-leg visit of Andorran side UE Sant Julià.
Victory target
"We respect our opponents and will not underestimate them, but our goal is to build a comfortable lead in Sofia," said coach Velev. "I am sure the pressure on us will only last till kick-off. We will look for an early goal to calm us down. We have to play good football and entertain the fans. We have to make them happy with a decent win. Sant Julià played another Bulgarian side, Cherno More Varna, in last season's UEFA Cup and we know they will be tough opposition."
Key qualities
Velev took charge last summer after Levski's 1-0 home defeat by FC BATE Borisov in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The second leg finished 1-1, before Levski bowed out of the UEFA Cup in the first round, losing 2-1 on aggregate to MŠK Žilina. Their transfer activity has raised expectations, though. "With Topuzakov and Bardon we will be stronger," the coach said. "We will rely on their experience and their attitude. They can help us achieve our goals in this competition."