No Favourites In 'Attractive' Liverpool-Real Madrid Tie - Fernando Torres
stonejah said
11:58 02/10 2009
Liverpool will take on Real Madrid over two legs in one of several mouthwatering match-ups in the last 16 of the Champions League.
However, Fernando Torres reckons this particular pairing is a standout.
"It is the most attractive tie of the Champions League," he said on the Reds' official website. "One of the teams with the best history in Europe against one with the greatest in England and only one can remain in the competition."
The clash will carry special significance for Torres, who had spent his entire career with Atletico Madrid prior to his big-money move to Anfield in 2007.
The 24-year-old forward never once claimed an away victory in el Derbi during his time at the Vicente Calderon, a statistic that clearly does not sit well with him.
"For me it's not just another game and that's not just for my Atletico past: it is an extra motivation for anyone to face Madrid in Europe," Torres said.
"I have never won in the Bernabeu and with all the respect that I deserve and they have for us, I really want go and look like equals against Real."
While Juande Ramos' Blancos approach the tie on the back of an impressive run of results, Rafael Benitez's Reds have only just returned to winning ways after a shaky opening to 2009.
But Torres said, "There is no favourite, apart from maybe each team at home. That the second leg is at our place might be an advantage, but that doesn't always prove true.
"I am well aware that they will be very dangerous in the Champions League. They always have been.
"But in cup games, and the other day [last Wednesday's FA Cup defeat to Everton] is the exception that proves the rule, we are like a fish in water."
However, Fernando Torres reckons this particular pairing is a standout.
"It is the most attractive tie of the Champions League," he said on the Reds' official website. "One of the teams with the best history in Europe against one with the greatest in England and only one can remain in the competition."
The clash will carry special significance for Torres, who had spent his entire career with Atletico Madrid prior to his big-money move to Anfield in 2007.
The 24-year-old forward never once claimed an away victory in el Derbi during his time at the Vicente Calderon, a statistic that clearly does not sit well with him.
"For me it's not just another game and that's not just for my Atletico past: it is an extra motivation for anyone to face Madrid in Europe," Torres said.
"I have never won in the Bernabeu and with all the respect that I deserve and they have for us, I really want go and look like equals against Real."
While Juande Ramos' Blancos approach the tie on the back of an impressive run of results, Rafael Benitez's Reds have only just returned to winning ways after a shaky opening to 2009.
But Torres said, "There is no favourite, apart from maybe each team at home. That the second leg is at our place might be an advantage, but that doesn't always prove true.
"I am well aware that they will be very dangerous in the Champions League. They always have been.
"But in cup games, and the other day [last Wednesday's FA Cup defeat to Everton] is the exception that proves the rule, we are like a fish in water."