Sami Khedira has reflected on what is riding on Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Los Blancos head into this week’s return leg with a 4-1 deficit to try and turn around at the Santiago Bernabeu, if they are to keep their hopes of winning La Decima alive.
“This is our last chance to get things right again. In the first leg we didn’t convince as a team and we played a weak game,” commented Khedira to Bwin.com
“Now we have to achieve the impossible. Real Madrid have seen many a magical night at the Bernabeu, especially in the European Cup.
“We are going to try to add another one to the list and we will be aiming as high as possible.
“Scoring an early goal will be vital, but we have to keep a cool head as well. We have to find a happy medium.
“The Coach has set us up really well for this game, because if our opponents score early then we will be under still more pressure.
“That’s why we will be doing our best to put Dortmund under pressure up front, but not from the first minute as a game lasts 90 minutes and we have seen how quickly they can score one or more goals.”
Khedira reflected that not conceding will also be important for Los Merengues.
“In any Champions League match it is always important not to concede goals. Fortunately we scored one in the away leg, but we have to win by three goals and Dortmund are very solid in defense and defend really well.
“We have to try to attack them in a very controlled and concentrated way, but we will also have to keep it tight at the back and win 50-50 balls.”
The German conceded that home advantage will also play its part, with the fans in particular.
“We feel even more confident in front of our fans – it is a great feeling to play knowing that your supporters are right behind you, we feel right at home when we are playing here.
“I am certain that on Tuesday we will play a great match, but it will a big ask because it won’t be enough to scrape through 1-0, we will have to be on top form. We will set out to maintain our great run of home results.
“They will support us 100 per cent from the kick-off with total conviction, as they always do. I have nothing to worry about in that respect.
“The home crowd’s support is crucial in these matches and it can be a decisive factor. I am convinced that the Madrid supporters will give us wings in this match too.”
