Real Madrid will host Liverpool on February 25 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie, and Rafael van der Vaart believes the visitors are afraid - and rightly so.

The Dutch midfielder said in The Sun, Were Real Madrid, which is why I think Liverpool are frightened of us. We have great players and its going to be a great tie.

Both teams come into the clash sitting second on their respective domestic fronts, although the Merseysiders' situation (two points behind Manchester United) is rosier than the Merengues' (10 points behind Barcelona).

And so van der Vaart, who has slumped alarmingly after an impressive start to his career in Spain, is determined to steer los Blancos to a tenth European Cup.

He said, Were anxious to do well in Europe and, if we end up as champions, I will be capable of anything. I will do anything to win the Champions League.