The Brazilian forward believes APOEL can get something out of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg fixture against Real Madrid in Nicosia.
After suffering the ignominy of two back to back La Liga 1-1 draws against Malaga and Villarreal, the Spanish giants thrashed Real Sociedad 5-1 in their latest domestic outing and look to be in a bullish mood ahead of their European tie.
The outfit from Madrid can bring APOEL’s dream run in the Champions League to an end as they travel to Nicosia for their quarter-final first leg.
Despite the titanic task on their hands, the Cypriot side are hopeful that they can shock the 9-time European champions in the prestigious club competition.
Brazilian forward, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ailton-c4095, who has amassed 5 goals in his 9 Champions League appearances, stated that APOEL’s fixture against Madrid is a high point in the history of the club and they will go into the match with high hopes.
The former Atletico http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mineiro-c25967 forward expects a tough fixture against the star studded line-up of Los Blancos and believes anything can happen during the match.
“We do not really know what to expect, but I'm quite optimistic. Let's just see what happens on the pitch. It's 11 versus 11 once the referee blows his whistle for the first time.”
"This is a historic match for APOEL. Not just because we're playing against an illustrious team like Madrid, but also because we're in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.”
"Obviously, there's a big difference between actually qualifying for the next round and what's considered to be a good result for us. If you go out against a team like Madrid, you can leave with your head held high."
APOEL will need to get a positive result in the first leg at Nicosia with the second leg scheduled at the home of Real Madrid. The Cypriot club will call upon their 18,000 strong support for the fixture, before heading to the magnanimous Santiago Bernabeu.
The first leg is scheduled for March 27th and will kick off at 20 45 Central European Time, while the return leg in Madrid is set to take place on April 4, 2012.
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