Fighting talk as Dynamo Kiev prepare for Real re-match

Dynamo Kiev are looking to settle a score with Real Madrid when they take on the Spanish giants in Wednesday's Group B game in the Champions League.

Beaten 1-0 by Real at the Bernabeu last month, Kiev are fighting to emerge from the tightest of the eight groups, with the Ukrainians, Real and Bayer Leverkusen all on six points from three games.

Dynamo coach Josef Sabo believes his side, who are likely to be denied the services of Goran Gavrancic after the Serbian defender picked up an injury in a league match against Borysfen, would rise to the occasion.

"We will try to avoid the mistakes we made in Madrid," he told a news conference. "I think Real are one of best teams in the world. Not many can compete on equal terms with them."

Dynamo captain Valentin Belkevich, now recovered from a leg injury, said the team were mentally prepared for the battle with Real.

"The game will be difficult for both sides. A lot will depend on luck," he said. "In any event, our guys are in a fighting mood."

As for his own fitness and commitment, Belkevich said: "I can give my team everything I've got."

Real have relied heavily for recent victories on England striker Michael Owen, who has notched up four goals in as many games. That run began when he turned in the winner against Dynamo two weeks ago at the Bernabeu.

The former Liverpool player, delighted with the way he has hit form, believes it is only a matter of time before the team follows suit.

"I'm really happy to be scoring the goals, but the key thing is that the team keeps winning," he said.

"We are all aware that we need to improve and that we aren't playing as well as we should, but we are on the right track and are going to keep working hard."

Owen's scoring run should be enough to keep him up front alongside Ronaldo, putting club captain Raul back at midfield.

At the back, Argentine international defender Walter Samuel is out with a knee injury and will be replaced by either Raul Bravo or Francisco Pavon. Luis Figo, recovered from a throat infection, should be back in the middle on the right wing.

Guti, who will continue to cover for the injured David Beckham in the centre of midfield, says the match could well determine who goes into the knockout stages.

"It is a vital match for us because Kiev are direct rivals and if we can come away with at least a point it will be a very positive result," he said.

Probable teams:

Dynamo: 1-Olexander Shovkovsky, 3-Serhiy Fyodorov, 4-Rodolfo, 13-Goran Sablic or 32-Goran Gavrancic, 30-Badr El Kaddouri, 7-Jerko Leko, 15-Diogo Rincon, 17-Tiberiu Ghioane, 8-Valentin Belkevich, 9-Kleber, 23-Maris Verpakovskis.

Real: 1-Iker Casillas, 2-Michel Salgado, 6-Ivan Helguera, 15-Raul Bravo or 22-Francisco Pavon, 3-Roberto Carlos, 10-Luis Figo or 21-Santiago Solari, 14-Guti, 5-Zinedine Zidane, 7-Raul, 11-Ronaldo, 9-Michael Owen.

Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece).