Having scored 20 goals in the group stages, Madrid are looking to improve on their dreadful away record in Germany as they take on Schalke for the first time.
‘We know the Champions League is a big competition with all the best teams in it, so we know it is going to be difficult,’ said the 24-year-old Wales winger.
‘I think we are ready, we believe we can win every game so we’ll go over there and hopefully come back with the win.’
The Spanish league leaders are unbeaten in 26 games in all competitions, dating back to last October, and are clear favourites against the Royal Blues of Gelsenkirchen, who are fourth in the Bundesliga.
But Madrid have prevailed just once in 24 previous away matches against German opposition, losing 17 times, including a 4-1 drubbing at Borussia Dortmund in last season’s semi-final first leg when Robert Lewandowski hit all four goals. That said, Schalke’s form this season has been erratic and they have won only five of their last 11 home encounters against Spanish opponents, suffering four defeats.
Madrid will be able to call on the firepower of Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who returns from a three-game ban.
Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos are also expected to return after being suspended and rested respectively at the weekend. Schalke were denied a fifth straight league win when they were held to a goalless draw at home to Mainz on Friday.
There was good news, though, for Schalke as Arsenal-target Julian Draxler came off the bench to make his return after two months out with a foot injury.
‘As a young boy you dream about facing teams like Real Madrid so we’re all really up for it,’ said the 20-year-old.’I’m happy to be back out on the pitch, but I think I’m still some way off my best form.’
Huntelaar takes aim at former club real
GELSENKIRCHEN: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has gone on to become one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific strikers since he was shunned at Real Madrid and will finally have a chance to show his former club what they are missing on Wednesday.
‘I worked very hard to return as soon as possible and now I am back, playing, helping the team and scoring goals,’ said the 30-year-old. ‘I had some very tough moments. I think I am coming into the tie in very good condition.’ Real bought Huntelaar from Ajax as he scored 8 goals in 20 matches.
‘We know the Champions League is a big competition with all the best teams in it, so we know it is going to be difficult,’ said the 24-year-old Wales winger.
‘I think we are ready, we believe we can win every game so we’ll go over there and hopefully come back with the win.’
The Spanish league leaders are unbeaten in 26 games in all competitions, dating back to last October, and are clear favourites against the Royal Blues of Gelsenkirchen, who are fourth in the Bundesliga.
But Madrid have prevailed just once in 24 previous away matches against German opposition, losing 17 times, including a 4-1 drubbing at Borussia Dortmund in last season’s semi-final first leg when Robert Lewandowski hit all four goals. That said, Schalke’s form this season has been erratic and they have won only five of their last 11 home encounters against Spanish opponents, suffering four defeats.
Madrid will be able to call on the firepower of Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who returns from a three-game ban.
Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos are also expected to return after being suspended and rested respectively at the weekend. Schalke were denied a fifth straight league win when they were held to a goalless draw at home to Mainz on Friday.
There was good news, though, for Schalke as Arsenal-target Julian Draxler came off the bench to make his return after two months out with a foot injury.
‘As a young boy you dream about facing teams like Real Madrid so we’re all really up for it,’ said the 20-year-old.’I’m happy to be back out on the pitch, but I think I’m still some way off my best form.’
Huntelaar takes aim at former club real
GELSENKIRCHEN: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has gone on to become one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific strikers since he was shunned at Real Madrid and will finally have a chance to show his former club what they are missing on Wednesday.
‘I worked very hard to return as soon as possible and now I am back, playing, helping the team and scoring goals,’ said the 30-year-old. ‘I had some very tough moments. I think I am coming into the tie in very good condition.’ Real bought Huntelaar from Ajax as he scored 8 goals in 20 matches.