Real Madrid saw their flawless home record come to an end against Gijon in the Spanish league, giving Tottenham Hotspur hope that they can overcome the hosts in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Real manager Jose Mourinho may be without full-back Marcelo, forward Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo whose absence is the biggest concern and Mourinho said the two will decide if they should gamble on his fitness. He was also wary of the threat that Tottenham could pose.
“Tottenham are ambitious. It’s a happy team and happy teams are dangerous.”
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has his own injury concerns with Gareth Bale missing the last outing against Wigan, although the manager sounded optimistic.
“I’m hopeful over Gareth,” said Redknapp.
Inter hope for a win
Inter Milan will be hoping for an improved defensive display when they host Schalke.
Defensive solidity was missing from their 3-0 defeat to AC Milan in Serie A, with Walter Samuel’s absence proving harmful. However, coach Leonardo believes Andrea Ranocchia has the potential to prove an effective replacement. “Ranocchia’s doing great. The game against Milan was a test of maturity and he did well,”said Leonardo.
Meanwhile, Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick sounded positive about his team’s chances against Inter.
“With the successes we’ve had away from home, we go to Milan with great anticipation,” said Rangnick.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 5th, 2011.
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