Roberto Carlos has compared the Champions League to the World Cup for prestige ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Atletico Madrid.
The quarter-final sees a repeat of last year’s final and Carlos, speaking to AS, said that the memory of Lisbon 2014 will work in Los Blancos’ favour.
“Madrid play the second leg at home and that is a very important factor,” the former Brazil international began.
“They will have a very different approach at Vicente Calderon than if the first game was at home, so the tie will be decided on [Madrid’s] ground.
“The Champions League is different to the League. The preparation is totally different. So I think Madrid will have many opportunities to go through knowing the second leg is at home.
“Furthermore, Madrid have 10 European Cups and I think they’re a team better prepared for this knockout game. The experience and motivation I have noticed in the players makes, for me, Madrid slight favourites over Atletico.”
Asked why games in the Champions League are different from La Liga, Carlos replied it is all in the mind.
“The concentration for playing in the League and the Cup is one thing, but the Champions League is like the World Cup,” he added.
“In this competition players concentrate 110% and that makes the difference.”
