Lazio director Igli Tare confirms the clash with Club Brugge ‘is a mini-Final’ in the Champions League and explains why Pepe Reina is in goal.

It kicks off at 17.55 GMT, click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.

“Without doubt, this is a mini-Final for us, especially considering the difficulties we are experiencing this season.

Lazio director Igli Tare confirms the clash with Club Brugge ‘is a mini-Final’ in the Champions League and explains why Pepe Reina is in goal.

It kicks off at 17.55 GMT, click here for the line-ups and Liveblog.

“Without doubt, this is a mini-Final for us, especially considering the difficulties we are experiencing this season.

“To get through the group after playing this well is an obligation for us,” the director told Sky Sport Italia.

“We go into this match with the best possible line-up. The squad rotation was very helpful, they settled in quickly, and that proved an advantage for the team.

“We are still unbeaten, but we said in the locker room it was important to go for the victory, not try to just settle for a draw.”

Pepe Reina has taken over from Thomas Strakosha in recent weeks, also due to his experience in the Champions League.

“The decision was made also for these reasons, but let’s also not forget Strakosha has done very well and he is our first choice goalkeeper, but he is struggling a little after COVID and during this period of difficulty, Reina proved his quality.”

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