The Welsh region currently lie second in Pool 5, five points behind leaders Leicester Tigers, and with a home game against Rugby Calvisano to follow in Round 6 on January 18.

Mulvihill is keen for the Blues to avenge their last-minute 14-11 loss to the English club at Cardiff Arms Park in Round 2 in November.

“It will be a different challenge to the last time that we played against them. We were looking at a draw with 30 seconds to go on the clock and to lose that one was quite tough,” the Australian told the Blues’ website.

“We probably over-played in that game, but we’ve kicked on in both competitions since that game and have got an understanding of where we need to play.

“We’ve made some big improvements and we’re looking forward to the contest this week. It’s a must-win for us and heading into these two weeks in Europe, a lot of teams sit on similar amount of points.

“You can probably read too much into what other teams can do and the permutations heading into these games. The basic for us is that if we win both games, then we’ll qualify.

“We must win this week and then Calvisano will take care of itself, as it will be a massive game to play for and the boys will be up for it.

“We want to get this week right and get the win, no matter by how many points.”

Cardiff Blues head coach John Mulvihill has labelled Sunday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup trip to Leicester as “must-win” if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals.