Ronaldo admits Lyons game will be 'do or die'
Winger convinced that home advantage will prove decisive for Real tonight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When you've spent the sort of cash that Real Madrid have in the summer months, elimination from Europe's wealthiest competition at the first knock-out stage is not really supposed to be on the agenda. As Cristiano Ronaldo neatly summed it up, his side's Champions League last-16 return leg against Lyons at the Bernabeu tonight is a "do-or-die" match.
Madrid have failed to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament in each of the past five seasons and need to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit if they are to buck that trend. Ronaldo's arrival at Madrid for a world-record £80m fee last summer epitomised the extraordinary lengths Real are prepared to go to in the pursuit of success, and failure to improve on the efforts of recent campaigns would be viewed in a dim light in the Spanish capital.
But the Portugal winger, a Champions League winner with Manchester United in 2008, insists Madrid have what it takes to progress. "The match is do-or-die," the competition's top scorer this season with six goals so far this season said.
"We are playing very good football and we have proven that we are the strongest team in La Liga. Lyons are a strong team physically speaking, but it's our turn to play at home. I am convinced that this team will respond and that we will make it through to the next round."
Manuel Pellegrini's troops failed to find top gear in the first leg at Stade Gerland but their form in La Liga has been altogether different, with Saturday's thrilling 3-2 win over Seville sparking delirium at the Bernabeu and taking Madrid to the top of the table. "I was amazed by the fans and must thank them for their support," Ronaldo added. "I hope we see the same kind of atmosphere because they play a crucial role in our success."
Real Madrid (probable 4-1-2-3): Casillas; Albiol, Ramos, Garay, Arbeloa; L Diarra; Granero, Kaka; Guti, Higuain, Ronaldo.
Lyons (probable 4-1-4-1): Lloris; Reveillere, Cris, Boumsong, Cissokho; Toulalan; Govou, Makoun, Pjanic, Kallstrom; Lopez.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments