Artmedia hang hopes on Porto match

Artmedia players shrugged off Wednesday's 4-0 drubbing in a Champions League Group H match at Inter and set their sights on victory at home against Porto on December 6.

"It's too bad but that's football," said striker Branislav Obzera. "We need to keep our heads up and fight against Porto."

With five points from five matches, Artmedia trail second-placed Rangers in Group H by one point.

A victory over Porto would boost Artmedia's chances of becoming the first Slovak team to advance from the Champions League group stage, but that would also require Rangers to lose to Inter in Glasgow in December.

A draw in the last group tie would earn the Slovak title holders a place in the UEFA Cup.

"Our future is in our hands," said striker Blazej Vascak. "A draw (against Porto) is enough to go to UEFA, but Porto are coming looking to win, and we'll try to win too. We have a big opportunity, I think we'll take advantage of it."

Artmedia beat Porto in their first match in September, coming back from two goals down to stun the 2004 Champions League winners 3-2 and securing the first points for a Slovak team in the world's most prestigious club competition.

"Everyone expects a miracle from us every game," said coach Vladimir Weiss. "But miracles don't happen every night. We are still alive, though, and I hold my head high."