Club Tijuana are in the midst of a long week of study and preparation for their return fixture against Palmeiras in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. The Xoloitzcuitles goalkeeper Cirilo Sauced spoke today after the practice about the possible historic qualification into the quarterfinals.
"We've kept on working all week long knowing full well what is at stake and with the hopes of bringing back a good result that would allow us to move onto the next stage so we can keep growing this young team's history" commented Saucedo.
The Mexican goalkeeper regretted not being able to qualify into the Liga MX playoffs saying the team wanted to be successful in both competitions, while always keeping in mind that the international competition was the most important one.
"Unfortunately we weren't able to reach our objective which was to qualify for the playoffs. If we would have archived it we'd be thinking about a playoff game right now, but we didn't and now all that is left is to go out and fight for the Libertadores to the death" expressed Saucedo.
The Xoloitzcuitles have a good notion of what Palmeiras is all about now. During the first leg match they played a very closed game and Cirilo believes that good finishing will be the key to beat the Brazilian squad and bring home the qualification.
"They are a very intense team, if we would have taken our chances we would be traveling with a bit more confidence. But now after the game against Chivas out forwards got into a goal scoring rhythm and we'll be able to show everyone what we are capable of" said Saucedo.
Tijuana will be traveling to Brazil at week's end and they'll be heading into a familiar stadium. It will be the same stadium that they played in the group stage when they faced Corinthians.
"They are two different rivals, it is two complete different stages of the competition. But every experience helps us grow, and now we'll have to take what we have learned up until now and put it to our benefit. We are confident in bring home the result" stated Saucedo.
Finally Saucedo spoke of what the game might be like, it will be Palmeiras who are the obligated side to search for the win. Tijuana will play an intelligent and open game. But the finishing is something the goalkeeper once again mentioned.
"They will have to come out and look for the result, the scoreless draw sends us into penalties and no one wants that. We will play our game plan like we do in any field be it at home or away, but the most important thing will be to take our chances or it will cost us" finalized Saucedo.
Said.Rodriguez@sandiegored.com
Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com
