Schalke in CL action
February 16, 2015
Schalke host Real Madrid on Wednesday in a tie that could stir sour memories for the Bundesliga side after they were thrashed 6-1 by the eventual champions at the same stage of last season's competition.
The Spaniards were convincing in the group stage, winning all six games and topping their group by an 11-point margin over Basel. The Royal Blues were thrashed 5-0 at home by Chelsea in their group, but clinched second place with a 1-0 win over Maribor in the final game.
Schalke though come into the game on the back of a disappointing Bundesliga defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt. "Although Madrid are a top-class side, I hope the team has learned its lesson," coach Roberto Di Matteo said to reporters ahead of the rematch.
Di Matteo will have striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar fit again after the Dutchman recovered from a virus, but first-choice keeper Ralf Fährmann remains sidelined with long-term injured midfielders Julian Draxler, Jefferson Farfan and Chinedu Obasi.
Real dip in form?
Real Madrid are favorites to defend their title in Berlin in June, but have been in uncharacteristic form since their successful trip to the Club World Cup in Morocco at the end of last year. Coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to strike an optimistic note after Saturday's 2-0 home win against Deportivo La Coruna.
"We are top of La Liga and the reigning champions in Europe," he said after defeating Deportivo. "It is true that we have not been brilliant in 2015, but I hope that the return of the Champions League will bring out the best in us again."
The Italian coach reminded everyone that his team eliminated German teams Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich en route to 'La Decima' last season. "We normally do well on our travels to Germany. We will be trying to win there again Wednesday."
Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric and James Rodriguez are out injured for Real, while defenders Pepe and Marcelo are working hard to be fit after recent problems.
Elsewhere in Europe's elite club competition on Wednesday, Porto welcome Swiss champions Basel. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen return to Champions League duty next week.
apc/jh (Reuters, dpa)