Deportivo La Coruna have admitted they need something close to a miracle if they are to recover from Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at Leeds United in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Deportivo coach Javier Irureta, though, remained optimistic. "We are not out of it yet," he said. "Miracles do occur in football, and we have already taken part in one earlier in the competition."
He was referring to his team's second-half performance against Paris St Germain in the second group stage, which saw them overhaul a three-goal deficit to win 4-3.
Deportivo also have an impressive record at their Riazor stadium. They have gone 24 home league matches without defeat. However, they were crushed 5-1 by Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie at Highbury last season, eventually exited the tournament 6-3 on aggregate.
And Leeds United manager David O'Leary said his side would not crumble in Spain. "We're not frightened of the big arenas. We want to go out and do our best wherever we play," he said.
"My players have put us in a good position, but that doesn't surprise me. It's our first adventure in this great competition and as a manager, and the same can be said of the players, we want to see how far we can go."
O'Leary heaped praise on captain-for-the-night Rio Ferdinand, the world's most expensive defender following his £18 million sterling move from West Ham.
"There have been a few people jumping on the lad's back and throwing some words in his face," he said. "I think he's quality. I was a centre half for 20 years and I might not know too much, but I know centre halves and he's pure, pure quality."
Leeds have already banked just under £7million sterling in prize money for reaching the last eight, with that figure likely to be doubled when television revenue, gate receipts and merchandising are added. A further £6.3million in UEFA prize money awaits should they win it out.
Yesterday was the first anniversary of the deaths of Kevin Speight and Christopher Loftus, the Leeds supporters who were knifed to death in Istanbul and a plaque was unveiled and donated money handed over to their families.
Meanwhile, Teddy Sheringham has indicated he is ready to accept a new 12month contract at Old Trafford. The 35year-old Manchester United striker was believed to be holding out for a two-year deal. However, it now appears Sheringham will continue to battle for a first-team place at United.
Sheringham was on the bench on Tuesday with Andy Cole partnering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 1-0 quarter-final first-leg defeat by Bayern Munich.
