It actually looks like French side Auxerre has nothing but the home factor as an advantage ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid. On paper, they have already lost the battle to Los Blancos. But while it seems like another defeat – after the 2-0 loss to AC Milan – will slap Auxerre, defender Cedric Hengbart has explained that the very fact of facing Florentino Perez’s millionaires was already valuable.
“It will be a celebration for the city. The stadium will be full,” Cedric Hengbart told France Football.
The full-back also revealed Auxerre’s ambitions ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League encounter. Hengbart compared his side’s upcoming match against Real Madrid with their defeat at the San Siro two weeks ago as he explained:
“In Milan, everyone had predicted that we would lose 3-0 or 4-0. But we just lost 2-0. We even had the opportunity of taking something. I’d say that we weren’t ridiculous during the game.
“It will be the same thing against Real Madrid. We will try to ignite this match quickly. We’ll try not to concede a goal. If we lose a goal, it will be extremely hard for us after.
“If we can do something, it will be wonderful. But we believe we can! With our qualities, we know that there are ways to achieve something if we all play thoroughly.”
Speaking of his personal love for Real Madrid FC, the 30-year-old Auxerre player declared:
“They are a great team and I’ve always been a fan of that team. They always made me dream with their offensive game with great stars who often tried to attack. It’s a pleasure to deal with such a club which I’ve always loved.”
Indeed, Auxerre might have to deal with Real Madrid’s attacking forces which include the world’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo. Karim Benzema will also feature for Los Blancos as Jose Mourinho announced earlier this week. For the ex-Lyon star, Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Auxerre presents a great opportunity for him as an individual and for the club as a whole.
“I feel fit and I’m very excited about playing this game,” Benzema told the media ahead of the clash.
“Mourinho is helping me to progress. He is especially helping me in terms of mentality. I am sure I will improve a lot with him.
“[The match against Auxerre] is a very important game for us. I think Auxerre will try to play a good game. If they are in the competition, it’s because they are good.
“For us, the season is only starting, so I think it’s normal if we lack some things. But, we’re working very hard, and we wish to display a great performance against Auxerre.”
Don´t miss the Auxerre vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League match!
