Holders Inter's hopes hanging by thread
Reuters - Wednesday 13 April 2011, 01:00
BERLIN - Champions League holders Inter
Milan face a formidable task as they attempt to overturn a 5-2
deficit against Schalke 04 on Wednesday when the German club
will be eyeing their first semi-final appearance.
"I continue to be optimistic, our goals have not changed,"
said Inter coach Leonardo, adding his team had come to Germany
to turn this tie round. "Anything is possible."
Schalke, who have won all three of their games under new
coach Ralf Rangnick, are hoping to finish the Italians off with
yet another victory.
"We are leading 5-2 at half-time. Now we have to go out and
be equally dominant as in Milan. We will play as if it is 0-0,"
said Rangnick.
Real Madrid are also in an equally buoyant mood and should
complete the formality of eliminating Tottenham Hotspur to set
up a probable semi-final against arch-rivals Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho's side travel to White Hart Lane brimming with
confidence after demolishing 10-man Spurs 4-0 in the first leg
last week. Barring the most unlikely of events, Real and Barca
will meet each other in European competition for the first time
since 2002.