We Are Ready For Madrid - Ranieri

We Are Ready For Madrid - Ranieri

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri talked about tomorrow night's Champions League clash away to Real Madrid, saying he doesn't think Los Merengues' average recent form will be a factor in the match.

Whereas Juventus seem to have gotten past their slump with four victories in their last four games, a series that started with a 2-1 home victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League two weeks ago, Los Merengues have started to struggle since that same game, having won just once in their last four matches.

Coach Claudio Ranieri was asked about Real's recent problems, and predictably answered that he doesn't think they will be influenced be that when they meet tomorrow night at the Stadio Bernabeu.

"That victory against Real gave us confidence," the coach said. "And just like Schuster didn't think we were in bad shape before we played against them, now I don't think they are. They are still Real Madrid.

"They have a lot of history, aside from the great technical qualities of the team, but we have to stay calm: we are ready to play against a great opponent."

Meanwhile, captain Alessandro Del Piero, who has played a number of matches at the Stadio Bernabeu before with the Bianconeri, says his team will aim for a victory, which would ensure the team's qualification to the next round.

"In our last games here we have always lost, but let's hope to get a result this time," he said. "It would be nice to qualify already tomorrow night, but we know it won't be easy."

Juventus lead Group H with 7 points, while Madrid follow with 6, BATE Borisov have 2, and Zenit St. Petersburg are bottom with 1 point.

Danilo Pochini