Shakhtar can spring a surprise, claims coach Lucescu

Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu admits that Barcelona are the favourites but is confident that his side can produce an upset in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final clash.

The Ukrainian side have broken new ground by reaching this stage of the competition but could hardly have a more difficult task ahead of them against the Catalan giants at the Nou Camp.

However, while Barcelona may be seeking their ninth straight Champions League home win, Shakhtar know what it is like to win away in Barcelona as they did so in their final group game of the 2008-09 competition.

The teams also met in the final of the UEFA Super Cup in August 2009 where Barcelona eventually prevailed although it took a goal from substitute Pedro Rodriguez in extra-time.

"We have played well in the past against Barcelona and we know a lot about the team," said Lucescu.

"I have a lot of respect for (coach) Pep Guardiola for what he has achieved and the way they play football. The team is very skillful and play with pace on the attack but we will have to respond to this.

"Shakhtar is a side which is progressing all the time. We won the UEFA Cup and now we are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating Roma in the last round.

"Barca may be a better team but we will take our chances. With the talented Brazilians that we have in our side we can get a result. It is going to be an exciting contest over two matches and we need a good result to take home with."

Striker Luiz Adriano is expecting a tough game but feels that it is a chance for Shakhtar to show what they are capable of.

"We face a big team but what will be decisive is who plays best and while we do feel a bit of pressure playing at the Nou Camp this is also big opportunity," said the Brazilian, who has scored four goals in the competition so far.

He feels that the influx of Brazilians at Shakhtar with six currently at the club has helped him. "It is definitely an advantage because we all know each other and how we play football," he said.