Hoping to jump out to an early lead over Schalke 04 in the opening leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, nine-time UCL champion Real Madrid will undoubtedly welcome back previously suspended Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2013 Ballon d'Or Award winner was slapped with a three-match ban earlier this month for poor conduct during a match with Athletic Bilbao but now that Los Blancos are ready to go in the knockout stage of the annual Champions League tournament, CR7 should provide an added boost for a team that has been clicking on all levels even without his services.
Currently leading the competitive Spanish Primera Division, Real Madrid will look to find the same top form against Schalke 04 that has propelled them to the top of their league. While they've been strong their upcoming German Bundesliga opponents, who currently sit fourth in the league behind usual powers Bayern Munich – the 2012-2013 UCL champs – Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, surely pose a threat. Understanding that upending Schalke when the Round of 16's opening leg begins Wednesday at Veltins Arena will not be easy, Madrid captain Iker Casillas is looking forward to the challenge because winning the Champions League could become part of a 2013-2014 Los Blancos treble.
“We are where we want to be,” the Madrid netminder said regarding Real's standing in the Copa del Rey final, UCL knockout stages and top spot in La Liga. “ We are alive in three competition and we are fighting to win them all. We know it's going to be difficult to win a treble but we will try. The team is playing well and we are going through a good spell. We are giving away few goals while we are solid in attack. We are looking forward to the match. Every player would want to play such an important game. Schalke are incredibly strong physically and they are consolidating a top four spot in the Bundesliga. I consider them a dangerous rival.”
While Real Madrid hopes Cristiano Ronaldo is able to impose his will once again on the offensive end, Schalke – who have earned 6 wins and 2 draws in their last 8 matches – will look to striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar to guide them offensively. Notching 51 goals in 89 total German League appearances, the Schalke 04 star says he'll enter the upcoming tie with Los Blancos in great form.
“I worked very hard to return as soon as possible and now I am back, playing, helping the team and scoring goals,” Huntelaar said concerning his January return after sitting out four months with knee problems. “I had some very tough moments but I think I am coming into the tie in very good condition.”
UCL Round of 16 First Leg – Real Madrid vs. Schalke 04: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Wednesday, February 26
TIME: 2:45pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: FOX Sports 2 / FOX Deportes / FOX Soccer Plus
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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