Hodgson: Job not done yet

Despite spending 17 hours on a bus to get to Hamburg, the Cottagers fought a defiant rearguard action to claim a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Nordbank Arena.

It means a victory of any kind on home soil next week will be enough to take Fulham into the first European final in their history.

Yet despite the positive nature of the tie, Hodgson is remaining firmly entrenched in the reality of the situation.

"It would be worse than dangerous, it would be downright foolish," said Hodgson of the prospect of thinking victory had already been achieved. "We are at half-time, and we have to play another 90 minute half. Not many people leave stadiums at half-time, or go for a cup of tea thinking the game has been won.

"There is a lot of football to be played and Hamburg are a very good team. If they score a goal next week the advantage passes to them. The tie is open but I am delighted about that because it is very easy to put yourself out of contention."