[D-Kin]

Schuster: We can conquer Rome Tuesday 19 February, 2008

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A depleted Real Madrid arrive at the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma tonight, but there is optimism in the Merengues camp.

Just as Roma have been going through a tough spell after defeats against Siena and Juventus, Real have also endured something of a slump.

The Spanish champions have slipped up against Almeria and Real Betis this month and are lacking some key men, including Brazilian marksman Robinho.

“We are confident, even if it is a tough undertaking,” Real Coach Bernd Schuster insisted.

“Our aim is to get through and to do that we will look to bring back a base for qualification from the Stadio Olimpico. But the fact that we have a second leg at the Bernabeu is a bonus.

“It’s not a bad time for us, but of course I would have liked to have a full squad at my disposal.”

Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze has been out of action for a month, but he may return in the Eternal City.

“Perhaps it would be a risk to send him out there,” Schuster mused. “We will see whether he plays a whole game or less.”

Meanwhile, veteran striking star Raul is keen to dismiss Spanish Press reports labelling the clash as “Francesco Totti v Raul.”

“It’s clear that this game is Roma v Real Madrid and not Totti v Raul,” said the man with 59 European goals to his name.

“Totti is a great player and Roma’s star man, but they are more than just Totti because their entire side is full of quality.

“The Giallorossi are a dangerous team as they are fast and tough to play against.

“But we need to regain our pedigree in Europe and the Champions League is one of our main objectives for this season.

“Totti said that it was a scandal that I didn’t win the Ballon d’Or? Coming from such a great player, I am highly flattered, but that’s all in the past now.”

Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro, Giuly, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti

Real Madrid (probable): Casillas; Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, Torres; Gago, Guti, Diarra; Robben, Van Nistelrooy, Raul

channel4.com - Football Italia