Real Madrid vs Barcelona Match Preview UCL 27 April 2011
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Schalke’s Raul: We dream of defeating Manchester United and reaching Wembley
Spanish striker believes his Bundesliga side have over-achieved in Europe this year, but sees no harm in dreaming as they prepare to clash with Premier League leaders
Schalke’s Raul is looking forward to his Champions League semi-final date with Manchester United and is eager to find out just how far the Gelsenkirchen club can travel against Europe’s elite.
Raul has proven he still has the ability to see off some of the continent’s giants, after victories against Valencia and Inter in the knock-out stages of the competition, and is dreaming of a final against either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The former Madrid hero was quizzed by The Guardian newspaper, as Schalke prepare to test themselves against the English Premier League leaders.
“No [We didn’t expect to reach this stage]. This was a completely new team. In the league we really struggled – we lost the first five games and we’ve been mid-table all season. But in the Champions League, both the group phase with Lyon, Benfica and Hapoel and the knockout stages, we’ve played very well, improved and grown in confidence.
“Against Valencia and Inter, everyone expected us to be knocked out but we deserved to go through.”
Raul continued by saying that he has no intention of departing the club at the end of the season, saying: “Next year we might not be in the Champions League but I won’t leave. Before joining Schalke there was a chance to join other teams but this was what I needed – to play regularly, to battle a little longer. I feel good physically, good mentally, and I hope to continue for at least another year. If I feel like it, if it attracts me, I would love to carry on [beyond that].”
Raul went on to admit that Tuesday’s opponents, Manchester United, were one of the options he had when leaving Real Madrid, but regular football was the first thought in his mind.
“There were a couple of possibilities and United was one, but the only person who knows just how real that was, how close, is Alex Ferguson.
“I’ve been at Old Trafford, Arsenal, at Liverpool watching Fernando Morientes, and it’s special. I fancied the idea. I wanted to try something different. But I’ve been able to experience that here. We take 3,000 or 4,000 to every game, we’re never alone. And I couldn’t be happier.”
His enjoyment with Schalke has been evident to see this term, the Spaniard going so far as to join in the celebrations with the club’s fans.
Raul is contemplating the prospect of making his first appearance at Wembley, and possibly against his former club.
“I’d never scored against Bayern Munich and I scored against them in the cup. I went to San Siro and scored against Inter, which I’d never done. I’ve never been to Wembley – which is one of the stadiums, with the Maracana. I’d love to go – even if it’s as a fan to watch Madrid.
“A final would be even more incredible. I hope it’s Madrid, well, I don’t know, actually. It would be strange; very strange. If you can guarantee that we’ll win the final, maybe it would even be better to play Barcelona. If not, Madrid. Let’s see what destiny has in store.”
Source: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2011/04/23/2454249/schalkes-raul-we-dream-of-defeating-manchester-united-and
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