Atletico hope for cup success to salvage season
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-10 20:31

The success of Atletico Madrid's fading season depends on them overturning Osasuna's 1-0 advantage in their King's Cup semi-final second-leg in Madrid on Thursday (1900 GMT), says defender Luis Perea.

"I hope our fans continue to believe in us because it is the last opportunity we have (to qualify for Europe)," the Colombian international told a news conference. "Everything hangs on what we do in this game."

Victory at the Vicente Calderon, followed by a cup final win over either Athletic Bilbao or Real Betis, who play the other semi-final on Wednesday (1900 GMT), is the only direct route to the UEFA Cup realistically left available to them.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Deportivo Coruna left them 11th in the Primera Liga, seven points short of sixth place, with three games remaining.

Atletico trail Osasuna thanks to Valdo's goal from the first leg in Pamplona, but the capital club's poor form in front of goal -- they have netted only once in their last six league and cup outings -- leaves the game finely balanced.

"We have to be calm and mentally strong and forget about what has happened recently. We need to score two goals and I am convinced we are going to do it," added Perea.

Atletico will be without defender Juan Velasco, Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer and striker Salva Ballesta, who are all injured.

Osasuna, who are now safe from relegation in the league, are happy to see Atletico shoulder the burden of expectation.

"Atletico are under a lot of pressure, because this game will determine their season," said Osasuna captain Cesar Cruchaga.

"We have achieved our objective in the league and if we make the final it will be classed as a great season for us."

Osasuna have never appeared in a final.

Midfielders Valdo and Ludovic Delporte have recovered from thigh injuries, but defender Carlos Cuellar, who was sent off in the first leg, is suspended.

SOLD OUT

If goals are hard to come by for Atletico, the second semi-final, level at 0-0, offers the prospect of a few more, as Betis travel to Bilbao with this season's 4-4 league thriller at San Mames still fresh in everyone's minds.

"I would take that result right now because that would put us through," said Betis keeper Antonio Doblas.

Bilbao's past success in this competition -- they have won the King's Cup 23 times -- has seen tickets for the game sold out rapidly, but Doblas does not believe the atmosphere will affect his side.

"We did well against Barcelona in the Nou Camp, and beat Sevilla in the city derby last weekend, so we have proved we can stand the pressure," Doblas added.

Betis are sweating over the fitness of winger Joaquin, who is suffering from a bruised ankle, but will definitely be without injured forward Edu.

Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde has called for caution as his side go in search of their first final appearance in 20 years.

"We have to play this game with our heads not our hearts," he said.

The Basques edged the first leg, with defender Asier Del Horno hitting a post with a header, but failed to score despite creating the clearer opportunities.

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