Deco undaunted by Benfica test

Deco claims Barcelona will look to kill their tie with Benfica in the first leg.

The Portuguese international is looking forward to returning to one of his former clubs, but believes Barca will have little difficulty in progressing if they play to their capabilities.

The Catalans are currently troubled by injuries to key defenders with Carles Puyol and Rafael Marquez both missing Saturday's goalless draw at Malaga, but Deco insists they have the quality to overcome such problems.

"Our objective is to try and get the tie won in Lisbon although we do have many absences in our defence," he stated.

"At this point I have no doubts that we are the favourites to progress to the semi-finals, but it will not be an easy match. If we play as well as we can I am convinced we will win.

"We do have some serious injury problems, but this team can overcome them - to play the return match at Camp Nou is an advantage for us.

"This is a big tie for Portuguese football and I was very happy with it from the first moment."