Mourinho believes his Madrid will end Spurs' European run

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on the European exploits of Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final opponents, but said he expects his team to bring their run to an end.

"It is fantastic for Tottenham. They have reason to be proud already," Mourinho said. "But I believe we are the better team and I believe we are going to do it."

The Portuguese also admitted he was glad to have avoided his former clubs Chelsea and Internazionale in the draw for the quarter-finals. I didn't want Chelsea or Inter because last season it was difficult for me to play against Chelsea [as manager of Inter]," he said during an interview with BBC 5 Live. "I did everything I could to help my team but I was not comfortable because I do not like to play against my friends.

"Tottenham are a good team, they beat Inter (3-1 last November), they beat Milan (1-0 on aggregate). They have ambitions, are a very good team, have very good players and a good manager in Harry [Redknapp]. You can feel it is a happy team and happy team are dangerous teams."

Spurs, who are making their tournament debut, meet the Spanish giants over two legs, at the Bernabeu on 5 April and at White Hart Lane on 13 April.