Cristiano Ronaldo expects Real Madrid to beat Roma in the Champions League and told Luciano Spalletti ‘it’s good to dream’ of the opposite happening.
Ronaldo appeared before the Press to preview the tie and at first agreed with the Italians’ Coach that the game was in the balance before the first leg, then added tongue-in-cheek that Spalletti was ‘dreaming’ to think Roma might win.
“50-50? That’s true. Maybe that will change after the game, but I agree. We’ll see who is best,” he said AS reports.
“Roma knocking out Madrid? Dreaming is always good…
“I always see Madrid as favourites. We have more titles in this competition than anyone else. We can still win the League, but we’ve got a few points fewer, but we’re tied in the Champions League at zero.”
Ronaldo spoke highly of Roma talisman Francesco Totti, the forward pushing 40 but in contention to play at Stadio Olimpico.
“He’s awesome, an example for everyone. He shows age isn’t important,” Ronaldo continued.
“He might be at his best now. It’s good for him, good for football. He shows that there are no limits in football.”
The Portuguese also praised Madrid’s recent form, said he expects it to continue into this game, and promised the team would go out to win.
“I’d say the team is going well, we’ve done a phenomenal job in the last three weeks, working well, playing well and scoring a lot of goals,” he noted.
“Obviously this is a different competition and the Champions League is very important to us, for Madrid and for the players.
“We’re very excited. The game will be difficult, away games are always more difficult, but we’re prepared. Start well and win the game, as always.”
