Only 'game of our lives' will do, say Stuttgart

Published on Tuesday 16 March 2010 22:21

STUTTGART director of sport Horst Heldt admits his team must play "the game of our lives" if they are to knock holders Barcelona out of the Champions League tonight.

The Swabians were unfortunate to take only a 1-1 draw into the second leg at the Nou Camp tonight, but their inspired performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena a few weeks ago will only make the task of defeating the Spaniards even harder. Barcelona are not going to underestimate them now, believes Heldt.

"If we want to achieve the impossible, we have got to play the game of our lives," he said. "But we are not going there just for fun. We do have a mini chance."

Coach Christian Gross welcomes Matthieu Delpierre back into his defence after suspension.

Although Barca are favourites to progress Camp Nou full-back Dani Alves has warned his team against over-confidence in their own backyard.

"If you're not at 200 per cent, you're out," he said. "We have a magnificent opportunity in front of our own fans and in our own stadium. We mustn't waste it."

Captain Carles Puyol is Pep Guardiola's only injury concern with a back injury.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is relishing the pressure as the Ligue 1 outfit prepare to host Olympiakos. Laurent Blanc's men have one foot in the final eight after triumphing 1-0 in Greece a fortnight ago.

"There's pressure for this match, that's true, but it's positive. It's great to be playing a Champions League last-16 tie in front of our supporters. We're in a good position to qualify."

Olympiakos are facing even more of an uphill battle after the news that Diogo, Dudu Cearense and Jesus Datolo are all out of the clash. Top goalscorer Konstantinos Mitroglou has recovered from a broken nose, though