We're Loco Motiv-Ated

Nov 4 2007

LOKOMOTIV MOSCOW keeper Ivan Pelizzoli insists Aberdeen will pay for the Russians having victory snatched from them at the death in their opening group game.

Anatoly Byshovets' side are smarting after they were held 3-3 at home by Group B favourites Atletico Madrid following Sergio Aguero's last-gasp equaliser.

And Italian Pelizzoli (below) has another motive for wanting a UEFA Cup win at Pittodrie - to give his countrymen a good omen for their visit to Hampden on November 17.

He said: "The match against Aberdeen is so important and our objective is to win after the draw in the first game.

"We should have beaten Atletico, now we we must do it against Aberdeen. A defeat would be terrible for our UEFA Cup hopes and we aim to qualify with eight points.

"We have watched videos of Aberdeen and I believe we are superior.

"Plus I want to win at Pittodrie as it could be a good omen for Italy's game in Scotland.

Aberdeen don't have the force of Rangers or Celtic but will be dangerous at home."