Champions League: Ronaldo eyes record as Reds travel to Bernabeu
Los Blancos seek 12th consecutive win to seal place in Europe’s last 16
MADRID:
World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming for another record as the Champions League's all-time leading scorer when Real Madrid host a Liverpool side short on confidence at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Ronaldo's opener in the European champions' 3-0 win at Anfield two weeks ago took him to within one goal of Real legend Raul's 71 Champions League goals.
A 12th consecutive victory in all competitions would allow Real to seal their place in the last 16 with two games to spare in Group B.
Liverpool are tied with Swiss champions Basel and Champions League debutants Ludogorets Razgrad in a battle for second place on three points.
However, despite suffering a sixth defeat of the season at Newcastle United on Saturday, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insisted his side won't be overawed by the task in front of them.
"We've worked very hard over the past couple of years to get to this level," said Rodgers.
"To play Real at the Bernabeu tells us that we've been doing okay. But, of course, we're in a transition phase. We want to be better and we need to be better.”
‘Champions League not beyond Juventus’
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted that the Champions League is not a step too far for the Italian giants as they prepare to meet Olympiakos in a crucial Group A clash in Turin on Tuesday.
The Italian champions' last-16 chances are hanging in the balance after dropping to third in the group, three points adrift of Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos, following respective away defeats to the pair in the past month.
With a tricky away trip to Swedish champions Malmo and a home clash against Atletico still to come, the Serie A champions realistically need a win, preferably with a two-goal cushion, against the Greeks if they are to keep their knockout phase hopes alive.
"To progress in the Champions League you have to keep your wits about you and not get carried away by what is being said," said Allegri.
"I've heard talk of us having some kind of complex at international level, but I don't agree.
"We've had some solid games; it's just unfortunate that after away trips to Atletico and Athens we've found ourselves sitting on three points.
Wenger impressed by Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his team is finally showing signs of developing the killer instinct required to succeed in the Champions League.
Wenger's side will aim to stay in the race to finish top of Group D when they host Anderlecht on Tuesday and the Gunners boss knows it will be a night when patience and predatory finishing will be essential qualities.
"In the recent games at home we were not patient and we have learned. We look a bit more balanced between offence and defence," said Wenger.
"We were less in trouble when we lost the ball, we were serious and that is very important in the efficiency."
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World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming for another record as the Champions League's all-time leading scorer when Real Madrid host a Liverpool side short on confidence at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Ronaldo's opener in the European champions' 3-0 win at Anfield two weeks ago took him to within one goal of Real legend Raul's 71 Champions League goals.
A 12th consecutive victory in all competitions would allow Real to seal their place in the last 16 with two games to spare in Group B.
Liverpool are tied with Swiss champions Basel and Champions League debutants Ludogorets Razgrad in a battle for second place on three points.
However, despite suffering a sixth defeat of the season at Newcastle United on Saturday, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insisted his side won't be overawed by the task in front of them.
"We've worked very hard over the past couple of years to get to this level," said Rodgers.
"To play Real at the Bernabeu tells us that we've been doing okay. But, of course, we're in a transition phase. We want to be better and we need to be better.”
‘Champions League not beyond Juventus’
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted that the Champions League is not a step too far for the Italian giants as they prepare to meet Olympiakos in a crucial Group A clash in Turin on Tuesday.
The Italian champions' last-16 chances are hanging in the balance after dropping to third in the group, three points adrift of Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos, following respective away defeats to the pair in the past month.
With a tricky away trip to Swedish champions Malmo and a home clash against Atletico still to come, the Serie A champions realistically need a win, preferably with a two-goal cushion, against the Greeks if they are to keep their knockout phase hopes alive.
"To progress in the Champions League you have to keep your wits about you and not get carried away by what is being said," said Allegri.
"I've heard talk of us having some kind of complex at international level, but I don't agree.
"We've had some solid games; it's just unfortunate that after away trips to Atletico and Athens we've found ourselves sitting on three points.
Wenger impressed by Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his team is finally showing signs of developing the killer instinct required to succeed in the Champions League.
Wenger's side will aim to stay in the race to finish top of Group D when they host Anderlecht on Tuesday and the Gunners boss knows it will be a night when patience and predatory finishing will be essential qualities.
"In the recent games at home we were not patient and we have learned. We look a bit more balanced between offence and defence," said Wenger.
"We were less in trouble when we lost the ball, we were serious and that is very important in the efficiency."
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.