Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso: If we score, Tottenham Hotspur will face an ‘impossible’ task
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso believes that Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League will be extinguished should the Spanish side score at White Hart Lane.
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso believes that Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League will be extinguished should the Spanish side score at White Hart Lane.
The Whites defeated Spurs 4-0 at the Bernabeu last week in the first-leg of the quarter-final tie between the two sides. This is Tottenham’s debut season in Europe’s premier club competition and the consensus is that they have already run their course.
However, Alonso says that Harry Redknapp’s side will be tougher opponents at home but adds that a goal from them will make it “almost impossible” for the Londoners to go through.
"We are here to win," said the Spain international midfielder, according to Madrid’s official website. "I am sure Tottenham will come out strong and we may have a hard time if we don't stay focused."
"We know what we have to do. We must maintain balance between the defence and attack. They will have an almost impossible job if we score."
Madrid will face arch-rivals Barcelona in the semi-finals should both sides qualify, and Alonso is hopeful of getting past them to play in the final at Wembley next month.
"Hopefully we can come back to London on May 28 to win the club's tenth European Cup," enthused the 29-year-old. "We need to take one step at a time and one match at a time, but playing for our tenth [European Cup] here in London would be incredible."
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2010-11 campaign in which Madrid can win the treble, Alonso stated: "I don't know if we are in the best shape we have been in all year, but we are good."
"This is a great time of year and we are still alive in all three competitions. It's also good for the coach [Jose Mourinho] because he has recovered players needed to battle on all fronts. It's a crucial time and we know it."
Madrid are eight points behind leaders Barcelona in second place in the Primera Division and take on Pep Guardiola’s side in the final of the Copa del Rey next week.