One last hurdle for high-flying Hertha

After recording their highest points total in the first half of a Bundesliga season, Hertha BSC Berlin will attempt to make it a perfect autumn by winning at Olympiacos CFP to qualify from UEFA Cup Group B.

Record haul
Hertha have taken 33 points from their 17 league matches and are proud of their landmark achievement. "We have worked really hard in recent months," said defender Josip Šimunić. "We have had luck in some games, but you need luck to achieve anything and you need to work for it too. The big difference compared with last season is our team spirit. Everyone knows his job and is doing it. There is respect for each other and no moans."

Straight shoot-out
The club have one more goal for 2008: to reach the Round of 32. For that to happen, however, Hertha require a win in Greece against an Olympiacos side who are the German team's sole competition for the third and final qualifying slot from Group B – and for whom a draw should suffice. "Needing a win doesn't mean we have to attack from the off," added Šimunić, who is doubtful for the fixture with a calf problem. "We have to play an intelligent game and be patient." In addition to the Croatian international's fitness worries, Gojko Kačar and Pál Dárdai could also be unavailable with knee problems.

Career highlight
Hertha goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobný, who played in Greece from 2001 to 2005 with Panionios GSS, agreed it is a big match for the visitors. "We have a real final ahead of us," Drobný said. "They are the biggest club in Greece and are like a religion to many fans. An incredible atmosphere awaits us in the stadium. The fans are a huge force; they really are the 12th man." Olympiacos's Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde concurred: "Our biggest asset is our home ground and the atmosphere our supporters create. It's amazing."

Win paramount
With winger Luciano Galletti likely to be back for third-placed Olympiacos, the only enforced change for Valverde is replacing suspended centre-back Paraskevas Antzas, which should mean Michał Żewłakow partnering Avraam Papadopoulos. Having won all eleven of their home games in all competitions this season, Olympiacos top the Greek Super League, with Valverde adding: "We're only interested in winning. A draw might see us through, but we can't rely on what other teams do. We know Hertha have come to Greece to win."

'We can beat anyone'
Hertha's in-form midfielder Maximilian Nicu, who has scored two goals and supplied five assists in the Bundesliga this term, is positive even though Olympiacos have not lost at home since March 2007. "There is a first time for everything," Nicu said. "I have a good feeling. Nothing is impossible for us. We know we can beat anyone and will throw everything we have at them."