Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas is well aware that the year has not started quite as Los Blancos would have wanted. Taking that into consideration, Real Madrid's captain trusts his team-mates will not play this match over confident, despite the previous experience against Schalke.
"Having faced them last season is by no means an advantage for us. On the contrary, I think they will try to embrace the chance of payback, and it's our job to try to deny them any chance to redeem themselves. We have to be humble because playing at Gelsenkirchen is really tough," Casillas stated.
Regarding the squad that will be looking to revalidate their European title, the Spanish shot-stopper is sure that players like Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez will end up being key to the team's success.
"Some players that were key to our system left the team, but those who arrived have done their job beautifully. You can loook up the stats and see for yourself. For example, Toni Kroos has adapted to his new position and James has been in excellent shape. I'm sure they will be fundamental," Casillas added.
Varane believes that Los Blancos have what it takes to win back-to-back Champions League titles
French center back Raphael Varane stated in an interview he feels the team is fit to take on the challenge of winning back-to-back Champions League titles, something that's never happened under the current format. The 21-year old shared the team's "illusion"of winning the coveted European competition.
"Winning two Champions League titles in a row is really motivating. It would be something for the ages and right now it's a wonderful challenge. We have a capable team and we will surely try to achieve such a milestone," Varane said.
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