Steaua recall past heroics for Real trip

Steaua Bucharest are hoping to be inspired by the memory of past goalkeeping heroics when they face Real Madrid in the Bernabeu in Wednesday's Champions League Group E tie.

Former Steaua goalkeeper Helmuth Duckadam helped secure the Romanian side's greatest triumph when his penalty saves in a shootout against Real's arch-rivals Barcelona sealed a European Cup triumph in 1986.

"The show Duckadam made 20 years ago was a miracle and that is exactly what Steaua needs now at the Bernabeu -- a new miracle," Steaua Bucharest coach Cosmin Olaroiu told Reuters.

"I would be happy to have such a goalkeeper now."

Steaua are third in Group E standings, their three points coming from an opening win over Dynamo Kiev. They have conceded seven goals in defeats by Olympique Lyon and Real Madrid leaving Olaroiu fearing the worst.

"I need Duckadam's advice, his presence might fortify the morale of my players against Real," he said.

Steaua are set to start with Cornel Cernea in goal after first choice Carlos Fernandez was dropped for a succession of errors.

The Romanians have also been hit by injury to key players but winger Banel Nicolita is optimistic of producing a solid performance.

"We are going to Spain to play our own game," Nicolita said. "We want to show that we are a good team, we hope not to concede a goal in the Bernabeu."