Juande Ramos: 'Spectacular' Robben Will Hurt Liverpool

Real Madrid are high on life heading into the first leg of their Champions League tie with Liverpool, having demoralized Real Betis to the tune of 6-1 at the weekend.

The Merengues are now just seven points behind the once-unmatchable Barcelona, and two men have been particularly important in that revival: Arjen Robben and coach Juande Ramos.

The former has been in scintillating form since the latter took the reins in December, terrorizing opponents down either flank with his immense pace and considerable guile.

Ramos said in The Daily Mail, "Arjen has been spectacular since I arrived. He is different to the rest and has those very rare qualities of speed and an ability to get past defenders."

Liverpool could use a player of that nature, to be blunt, as they have struggled to break down teams since the turn of the year and are slipping further behind Manchester United in the Premier League race.

But poor domestic form hasn't stopped Rafael Benitez's Reds from dominating Europe before, and Ramos knows his side must take a healthy lead to Merseyside if they wish to reach the quarter-finals.

He said, "I am looking for a three-goal advantage because that could be decisive and would make going to Anfield that much easier."