Steaua, Rapid resume hostilities

Bitter rivals Rapid and Steaua Bucharest resume hostilities today with a place in the UEFA Cup semi-finals at stake.

Steaua, the 1986 European Cup champions, start with the psychological edge of an away goal after a 1-1 draw at Rapid's Giulesti arena last week.

Both teams enjoyed emphatic league wins at the weekend, Steaua's young striker Andrei Cristea scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Otelul Galati to underline his value in the absence of Victoras Iacob, sidelined with a long-term injury.

Gabriel Bostina has recovered from an ankle injury and should start on the left side of midfield for Steaua, allowing first-leg scorer Banel Nicolita to switch to his usual role on the right.

Rapid have injury worries over Valentin Badoi, Danut Perja and Valentin Negru but coach Razvan Lucescu is confident that his side can reach the last four of a European competition for the first time.

"We have played very well our previous away matches in the UEFA Cup. There is nothing to stop us to do the same this time," he said.

Rapid striker Mugurel Buga believes the first goal could decide the fate of the tie, adding: "If we manage to open the scoring it will be very difficult for Steaua to equalise because we have a good defence."

Mendieta upset

Middlesbrough's hopes of overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Basel at the Riverside have been hit by an injury to Gaizka Mendieta which will keep the playmaker out for the rest of the season.

The Spaniard broke a bone in his foot in training on Monday and joins Austrian defender Emanuel Pogatetz in requiring surgery.

Pogatetz broke his nose and a bone in his cheek in a clash with Basel's Mladen Petric in the first leg. It had been initially feared that the player had fractured his skull.

"It's a big disappointment for Mendi, in particular, but for the team too," said Boro coach Steve McClaren.

Boro at least welcome back midfielder George Boateng and youngster Lee Cattermole, who scored Boro's winner at Manchester City on Sunday, from suspension.

Basel report no injuries with midfielder Scott Chipperfield vying for a starting role.

Sevilla take a 4-1 lead to Russia for the return against Zenit St Petersburg but the Spanish side are expecting a rough ride.

"Even though 4-1 looks to be a very good result the tie is still open," says defender Enzo Maresca.

"There will be a very difficult atmosphere there."

Sevilla will be without Serbian defender Ivica Dragutinovic and midfielder Antonio Puerta, both injured, and the skilful Jesus Navas who is serving the second of a two-match ban.

Zenit midfielder Igor Denisov is doubtful while Norwegian defender Erik Hagen and playmaker Andrei Arshavin are banned after their red cards in the first leg.

Schalke 04 are strong favourites to reach the last four after a 3-1 win in Sofia against Levski last week, but will quickly want to bounce back from Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Hamburg which dented their hopes of Champions League football next season.

Fabian Ernst misses the return through suspension, meaning a likely start for Gustavo Varela, who came off the bench to score in Sofia..

Quarter-Finals - 2nd legs