Juninho hopes to play, Universidad calm

Vasco da Gama midfielder Juninho Pernambucano is set to defy the pain barrier in a bid to play a part in his side's Copa Sudamericana semi-final second leg against Universidad de Chile in Santiago tomorrow night. The teams drew the first leg 1-1 in Rio de Janeiro last week to leave Vasco as the outsiders heading into the return at Estadio Santa Laura. Former Lyon star Juninho is struggling with a shoulder injury but has flown out to Chile ahead of the match and retains hope of being involved. "I'm not 100 per cent fit and I would not travel if it was a normal game," he told Lancenet. "However, this is a special moment for Vasco and me so we decided to travel." Juninho described tomorrow's match as "a challenge, a very difficult game" given the away goal they conceded in the first leg. "We drew at home. We are not favourites but we are talented enough to play a great game so I hope we can make it," he added. Cristovao Borges' side are also in with a shout of domestic league glory, and midfielder Romulo is desperate for the team to achieve both goals. He said: "Borges told us we were not going to prioritise any tournament. We will go towards both the Campeonato Brasileirao and the Copa Sudamericana with the intention of winning. We know it will be exhausting, but we'll do our best. We have what it takes." Universidad could creating a little bit of history if they see off their Brazilian opponents, as the Chilean outfit would reach the final of the continental competition for the first time. But goalkeeper Jhonny Herrera knows the visitors to the Chilean capital will be no pushovers. "Vasco da Gama are a great team, very complete," he told Zoom Deportivo. Universidad captain Jose Rojas added: "The guys are calm. Nothing has changed during the week considering what we're working towards."