LYON, France (AFP) — Lyon captain Juninho believes his side can get the Champions League victory they need when they travel to Ibrox Park on December 12 to meet Rangers in the battle for second spot in Group E.
The Brazilian playmaker scored both goals as the French champions came back twice to force a 2-2 home draw against Barcelona but they still need all three points in Scotland depite Rangers losing 3-2 at Stuttgart.
Rangers manager Walter Smith meanwhile needs only to orchestrate a draw against Alain Perrin's men to book his team's passage through to the knockout phase behind group winners Barcelona.
"It is a final for us," was Juninho's blunt assessment of the Ibrox mission.
"This match gives us the opportunity, should we win, to continue our Champions League adventure. We still have to concentrate on our upcoming league matches but if we play to our level, we are capable of winning in Glasgow."
The 32-year-old, who scored one goal in three World Cup matches when Brazil were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France in 2006, knows his club side are clinging to one final chance to reach the last-16.
"It is always disappointing to be eliminated especially when in the last three seasons we had already qualified after four matches. We have lost two matches in the Champions League (this season) but we still cling onto this hope of qualifying and hope to play at our level.
"Over there (Glasgow), it is never easy. We already had a difficult experience in 2003 against Celtic. We were really in trouble and there was an intimidating atmosphere at the stadium (Celtic Park).
"But we have players with experience who can help the younger players and that can make the difference. Our team is still progressing and are playing well - well enough in my opinion to allow us to qualify."
Lyon have reached the quarter-finals in three of the past four seasons before going out in the last-16 against AS Roma last season and Juninho knows his teammates face a Rangers' side who are strong at set-pieces.
"Even if Rangers only need a draw, they are a team which is aggresive on all their set-pieces. They scored again on a corner against Stuttgart and will try to put us under pressure right from the opening whistle.
"If we can hold out for the first 15 or 20 minutes and balance the game, then we will be able to create chances. I am confident and I think we will qualify."
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