Cristiano Ronaldo foresees goals between Real Madrid and Galatasaray and has urged that his team take things step by step if they are to progress.
Los Blancos host Gala in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday evening as the favourites to move through to the semi-finals, but with a difficult second leg in Istanbul to anticipate too.
“It’s nothing special [playing home or away] because we have to play both matches and win. Playing at home or away first isn’t an advantage, for me it’s all the same,” reflected Ronaldo in an interview pre-game with Bwin.
“The game against Galatasaray will be wide open and very balanced. We have to play well, like we do at home in the Champions.
“We know that it’s a squad that also attacks a lot and that’s good, because our chances of winning increase when the opponent plays us one-on-one.
“I’m calm. It’s another match that we have to fight for and win. It’s a very important game for us and I’m sure that I’ll be focused, I’ll play well and try to help the team win.
“We know that everyone in Madrid wants the Decima and it’s a club objective. And we, the players, know how important it is to win the Champions League, but I’ve always said that you have to take it step by step.
“The squad is good, we’re in good form and now we’re up against Galatasaray, a good team. It’s possible that we make it through, but we have to keep taking it step by step.
“Our form? We played well in the Camp Nou, also in Manchester and here at home against Barcelona.
“Things are going well for us, we have more confidence and we’re having a good run. I hope we can stay this way until the end of the season.”
Burak Yilmaz has earned comparisons with Ronaldo for his performances this term for Galatasaray, and the Turk is level with the Portuguese at the top of the Champions League scoring charts in 2012-13.
“He’s a player who’s doing well in the Champions because scoring eight goals is hard. As always, we have to be focused.
“The defenders have to be on the ball because it’s crucial that we make it to the semi-finals.”
Ronaldo also commented on Mesut Ozil, who has hit a purple patch of form recently.
“Mesut is in really top form and he’s an important player for us. He’s proved that he’s a key player in the last few seasons.
“I love playing with him because he’s a really talented player and we understand each other well. That’s why I’m really comfortable with him and I hope it stays that way until the end of the season, with these good moments of football.”
