Mele looks forward to historic encounter

The Catalan club have long-strived to take a big European fixture to the Spanish city and 55,000 fans are expected to cram into the former home of Espanyol FC.

But scrum-half David Mele insists his side will not be overawed by the occasion as they target a place in the Heineken Cup last four.

"There's a bit of extra pressure on us but we need to put that at the back of our minds," said Mele. "It will be a huge game in Barcelona in a big stadium.

"But we don't want to put too much pressure on ourselves, we're in the quarter-finals but want to go further.

"Even if there are 55,000 people there supporting us we show what we're made of and handle that expectation."

Mele is hoping his side can take advantage of Toulon's inexperience in the competition. It is their first ever quarter-final appearence in the Heineken Cup while Perpignan have reached the knock-out stages on three occasions.

"Toulon have excellent players who are used to playing big games but not necessarily knock-out games in the Heineken Cup.

"Perhaps we are more accustomed to encounters of this magnitude. The last time they won a final was in Pro D2.

"The physical battle and defence will be key on Saturday and it's important that we stay sharp for the full 80 minutes.

"This has sometimes been lacking this season but we have to make sure we're on top of our game in a Heineken Cup quarter final.

"It's a huge game and the only way to make the whole occasion more beautiful is by showing the real Perpignan. We are a great team."