Ronaldo welcomes attack-minded Galatasaray

April 02, 2013 | 09:37

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Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is looking forward to facing Galatasaray in the quarter-finals of the Champions League because he believes Real Madrid fare better against sides that attack them.

"The game against Galatasaray will be wide open and very balanced," he told Madrid's website.

"We have to play well, like we do at home in the Champions League. We know that they have a good squad that also attacks a lot and that's good because our chances of winning increase when the opponent plays us one-on-one."

Galatasaray will face Real on Wednesday boosted by the acquisitions of vastly-experienced Champions League winning duo Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder in the January transfer window, while they also have the competition's joint top-scorer in Burak Yilmaz.

The Turkish international is tied with Ronaldo himself on eight goals and the Portuguese is full of admiration for the form shown by Yilmaz.

"He's a player who's doing well in the Champions League 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."

And should Real make it to their third consecutive Champions League semi-final, Mesut Ozil may hold the key to the Spanish club's quest for a 10th European title.

The German has shown glimpses of his best form over recent weeks and Ronaldo lauded his teammate's contribution of late.

"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."

AFP

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