Knockout fight will go to the wire

Sep 28 2008 By Gavin Berry

VILLARREAL keeper Diego Lopez insists it's already a three-way scrap for the right to join Manchester United in the Champions League knockout stage.

Lopez reckons the Spaniards, Celtic and Aalborg must do battle for runners-up spot in Group E because the reigning European champions are certs to progress.

And he has vowed to help Villarreal take a giant leap towards that last-16 berth by dumping Celtic on Tuesday.

Manuel Pellegrini's men grabbed a valuable away point with an opening 0-0 draw at Old Trafford but Lopez refuses to get carried away.

He said: "Our first aim is to get out of the section.

"Man United are the hardest team we expect to play so to draw against them on their ground has to be good for us.

"They are favourites for the group and, for me, favourites to win the Champions League.

"So in this group the other three teams are fighting over one place because it's hard to believe Manchester United won't be first or second.

"Old Trafford was great for us - but it's only the beginning."

Lopez also warned Villarreal must not get dragged into a bruising battle at El Madrigal.

He said: "We have to impose our own style of play on Celtic.

"We know it will be a physical test but we have to try to play our normal game.

"I don't know much about Scottish football but I expect it to be like what we faced in Manchester - physical and direct.

"If we win we'll be on four points and halfway there because I believe eight or nine points will be needed to qualify.

"So it's up to us to seize the advantage and get three points.

I wasn't aware of Celtic's away record in the Champions League but it isn't relevant. We have to win home games otherwise qualification will be difficult."

Lopez is familiar with Celtic midfielder Marc Crosas (below) who joined from Barcelona in summer after coming through their youth academy.

The keeper said: "I know Marc is a good player. I've seen a little of him in Spain and Celtic is a good move for him - they are another club in the Champions League.

"He will do well in Scotland because he has some great qualities as a player."