Real Madrid

Royston Drenthe and Ryan Babel talked to Marca about the Champions League tie that will put their friendship aside: Real Madrid-Liverpool.

DRENTHE
"It will be a very tough game against a very competitive opponent. The Premiership is a quality championship and Liverpool are currently second on the table. Football fans will surely enjoy the tie. It will be fun."

"Journalists and fans in general believed Liverpool to be favourites against us a few months ago, but the situation has changed. We've won eight straight games and I think this great streak will continue because the team has grown very confident. I think we are having our best run in the season."

"I think we will win 3-1."

"Fernando Torres and Gerrard are Liverpool's most decisive men, but the team has many other quality players that can hurt us."

BABEL
"Liverpool will win, hands down... (Laughs) Actually, it's going to be a very open tie that's going to see many great players fighting out on the pitch. I think the match in Anfield could make a great difference. Playing the second game at home is some sort of guarantee for us."

"I think from an historical point of view Real Madrid are favourites. They deserve the highest form of respect in Europe. But I don't think there could be a clear favourite between us now. Both teams are equally good and small details may give one or the other the victory."

"I'm going to be cautious and not say what I believe the score will be..."

"Arjen Robben is by far their most dangerous player, but we should keep an eye on all of them. By focusing too much on Robben we may allow the rest to run loose."

"I've never played at the Bernabeu and I'm dying to play there. It is one of the best stadiums in the world and you can tell it's special even when you watch it on TV. I've been told the atmosphere at the stadium is fabulous and that we are going to have a great time."