Irureta, though, is unconcerned with history and remains determined to get the victory that will book their place in the last eight of the Champions League.

‘‘Revenge is not important, just a necessity to win and qualify for the next round,’’ he said.

‘‘We have to show our form in this stadium. Deportivo are not the same when we play away from home but neither are Arsenal. It is a difficult match but we have to make all the effort if we can to win.’’

Depor, whose keeper Francisco Molina has passed a fitness test, will be hoping for a similar performance to that produced in last Wednesday’s Copa del Rey final where they beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

‘‘We want to go out to win and we will see how the match develops,’’ Irureta continued.

‘‘Arsenal are a team that given space will cause you problems.

‘‘I hope it’s a good match as both teams are doing well at the moment. The most important thing is that fans from both sides enjoy it.’’

Spain midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron, the playmaker in the visitors line-up, is also aware of the attacking threat that Arsenal will pose, citing the Gunners’ Frenchmen as the players who must be watched.

‘‘Arsenal are a great team and very strong in attack (Thierry) Henry and (Robert) Pires are going to cause us lots of problems.

‘‘We are going to go out and play our game and try and impose our style of football. If we get a result that will be great.’’

Although a win for Depor would qualify them for the quarter-finals, defeat would not spell the end of their Champions League hopes - a point not lost on Djalminha.

‘‘We hope to play well and if possible get all three points,’’ said the Brazilian midfielder, who was sent off on that fateful night two years ago.

‘‘It is a different match from the last time we played here as before we faced being eliminated. With the league system, tonight’s result is not crucial for our qualification.’’