Real Nearing 200 win

SoccerLaduma

Real Near Record Victory

27 March 2012

Real Madrid are likely to smash a longer path into the history books in the Champions League tonight.

Los Blancos are the most successful team in the history of Europe’s most prestigious club competition, with a regal nine European Cups in their trophy cabinet at the Bernabeu. And tonight they should become the first team to win 200 matches in the Champions League.

By virtue of their stunning catalogue of success, Real have played more matches than any other team in the Champions League (344), winning the majority of them.

Standing in their way are Cypriot minnows Apoel Nicosia, who by their own admission are relying on “enthusiasm and will to win” to stop the all-white juggernaut that has rolled into their neck of the Mediterranean.

Consider this: Apoel’s record signing is Brazilian striker Ailton, who stretched their budget to the max at just €1million. Cristiano Ronaldo alone emptied Real’s coffers to the tune of £80million!

It stretches the bounds of imagination to suggest Apoel have even the slightest chance of halting Real’s continued domination of the Champions League’s annals.

Having said that, Apoel are determined to make the most of their unexpected fixture against the aristocrats of European club football.

"In this case surely we have to play the perfect game," said Apoel manager Ivan Jovanovic. “But we don't know if that will give us the result we want.

"I have achieved almost everything in the last four years with Apoel. But I still have a dream: to eliminate Real."

Real meanwhile, know they may never start a Champions League last-eight as such overwhelming favourites, but insist they will not be taking their lightweight hosts for granted.

“We know Apoel have a good team and we respect them,” Real midfielder Sami Khedira said.

“They did well in the group stage and are a strong side. They play from the heart, which makes them a complicated opponent. The clash will be important and I think we’ll do well because we have a very strong team.”

While manager Jose Mourinho- on the hunt for an unprecedented third Champions League trophy with as many claubs- added: “Once you look at the group Apoel were in you become aware of their value.

"They fight for every game and believe anything is possible in football. Maybe everyone believes the tie with Apoel will be easy, but I don’t expect it to be.”