Source: SKY_Sports
Gonzalez warning for United
Mariano Gonzalez believes Porto have proved they are a match for European and Premier League champions Manchester United.[LNB] Gonzalez stepped off the bench to fire home a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final meeting at Old Trafford last week.[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson's side now travel to Portugal knowing they must overcome the handicap of having conceded two away goals if they are to continue the defence of the trophy they lifted in Moscow last May.[LNB]But Gonzalez feels the possible absence of key defender Rio Ferdinand with a groin injury could play into their hands with the Red Devils forced onto the offensive as they look to progress.[LNB]"We know it's going to be more difficult than in Manchester because United will arrive here looking for victory and needing goals," he told reporters.[LNB]Pressure"But the loss of Rio Ferdinand could be very important for them. Also, Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't decisive in the first leg and now he has to play under all the pressure and atmosphere our ground will generate, while knowing he could easily be going out of the competition.[LNB]"Obviously we have to avoid making errors, but we'll be happy to maintain our concentration and keep the game goalless. We have our own dreams. The first leg was the best match of my life.[LNB]"But as a team we showed why Porto are the Portuguese champions and that we can defeat anyone in Europe. United were not better than us at Old Trafford - and they know that. We can make it a very nervous night for them."[LNB]And defender Bruno Alves has vowed to make amends for his rare blunder which gifted Wayne Rooney United's leveller in the first leg.[LNB]AmbitionHe told the Daily Star: "We are prepared for the battle of the year. Manchester United need goals so they will need to come and attack. But for me this will be about a personal bit of revenge.[LNB]"I failed at Old Trafford with the way that I gave Wayne Rooney a goal, so I need to make sure I produce the best match of the season.[LNB]"We know that United have a wonderful attack but we are the champions of Portugal and we have already shown what we are capable of in the first leg. We need to show the same ambition."[LNB]
