Espanyol boss Abelardo warns Wolves: We could be Buster Douglas

Douglas was the man who recorded a shock victory over boxing superstar Mike Tyson in 1990 to become world champion, writes Joe Edwards in Barcelona.

And with Espanyol 4-0 down from the first leg, Abelardo has used his story as inspiration going into the encounter at the RCDE Stadium.

"I know England is crazy about boxing right now because of Tyson Fury," said Abelardo.

"I love boxing and I saw the Tyson fight on TV. If this tie was a boxing match then obviously Wolves are probably 90 per cent favourites to go through.

"But I remember when Mike Tyson fought a complete underdog in Buster Douglas and got knocked out.

"Maybe we can be Buster Douglas and pull off a complete shock."

Espanyol, like they did for the first leg, are expected to make wholesale changes as the fight to stay in La Liga – with them at the bottom of the table – is the priority.

But Abelardo added: "It's almost impossible – we know that. But we will be looking to put up a good fight.

“We need to score four goals and not concede any to take it to extra-time. It's tough. But you never know."