Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Victor hopes home advantage will help the team to overcome Newell’s Old Boys and reach the Copa Libertadores final on Wednesday.
The Brazilian club trail by two goals heading into the second leg of the semi-final tie, but will be hopeful of overturning that deficit in front of their own fans at the Estadio Independencia.
“It’s a tough task but we’ve got the strength to do it,” Victor told FIFA.com. “The support of our fans will be another factor in our favour. I believe in O Galo.”
“The biggest hurdle is Newell’s and Newell’s alone. The Libertadores is a great competition to take part in.
“It is an atmosphere all of its own because of everything it represents as the biggest club competition on our continent and as a route into the Club World Cup.
“It’s also a big step-up for clubs, though I don’t see any of that as making our job on the pitch harder. It’s quality that wins you games, the ability to cope with tight situations and get things right, and I hope that we can do just that.”
The 30-year-old also stated that he will do all he can to keep a clean sheet against the Argentine side and give Atlético the best possible chance.
He added: “The fact is goalkeepers always go out on the pitch hoping to keep a clean sheet, regardless of what round of the competition it is.
“That’s our aim when we train during the week too. Once again, though, we’ve got to go out there and do it.
“If you don’t concede, then you’re closer to your objective of winning. We’re going to be playing at home and we need to strike the right balance between attack and defence.
“There’s no point in just throwing everything forward.”
Ronaldinho believes the game against Newell’s is the most important in Atlético Mineiro’s history.
