It will be like a final - Ruud
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Ruud van Nistelrooy believes that Real Madrid's encounter with Lazio in the Champions League on Tuesday will be akin to a cup final as the winner will progress to the next round.
The Dutch striker declared himself fit on Monday after pulling a muscle against Athletic Bilbao and is relishing the prospect of the European encounter in the Bernabéu.
Madrid need a point to go through, while the visiting Italians require a victory if they are to leapfrog their hosts and make it into the draw.
"It will be a very special game, much like a final," Van Nistelrooy explained.. "It will be one of those matches where anything can happen.
"We have to try to play as we always do, with a lot of confidence and above all with enthusiasm. We have a great opportunity to advance."
Van Nistelrooy recognised that Madrid will face a physical battle and warned that they must watch out for Lazio's powerful strikers.
"Lazio are a very physical side at the back, and up front they have a lot of quality with Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi," he continued.
"They are a strong team whose players play for each other. I remember in our last game against them, they had a few chances to win the match. There's no doubt we'll have to play well on Tuesday."
Finally, the 31-year-striker looked ahead to the prospect of trying to beat Lazio's 43-year-old goalkeeper, Marco Ballotta.
"I have a lot of respect for him," Van Nistelrooy added. "I'm sure I won't last to the same level when I'm 43. He's an example for everyone."
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