You're welcome & thanks Chic_Raul_ista & JS[sHRIMP]

Rome

Rome

Raul: Totti Gives Roma Magic

Raul told a pre-match press conference that Roma captain Francesco Totti brought magic to the giallorossi, but also pointed out that there are several other players who can damage Real Madrid on Tuesday evening...

Captain Raul will go face to face with counterpart Francesco Totti tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico, but the Spaniard is refusing to let this personal battle overshadow the match itself.

"Above all, it's Real Madrid against Roma," he told RealMadrid.com at a press conference.

"Totti is a great player, a player of superb quality in his team, but Roma are more than just him - there are good teammates, too.

"But it's clear that he's the man who makes the magic.

"He's been around for years and has done a lot both with Roma and the national team, and he'll be outstanding.

"He said it was a shame that I didn't get the golden ball? Coming from such a player, that's a real compliment, but it's in the past."

Looking ahead to the match, he added, "For us, the Champions League is a huge competition, although in recent season we've not moved past the 'eighths.'

"Now, we've set the goal of regaining credibility in Europe, and there's no better time to do it than here against Roma, who are tough, difficult to beat, and prestigious.

"They'll cause us problems, but tomorrow we have the chance to play well and get a good result.

"Home advantage is a factor for them, but on the other hand a bad day in the Champions League can mean many things. But if we don't play well and Roma get great a result then it could be over.

"So it's an advantage to som extent, but the important thing is that there are 180 minutes to go. Tomorrow we have the first 90, and we'll do our best and not wait for the second one - by then it can be too late.

"A clean sheet? That's not our target - it's more than that. We want to score. We need to play a complete game, full of pace, to get what we need.

"If we manage to keep a clean sheet and score, that'll be an accomplishment for us, but what is clear is that it'll be a tough match."

The captain moved on to answer questions about his personal career.

"My motivation? It's this simple: I like to play and train, and I enjoy doing so.

"I also have the good fortune to be with the best club in the world, and that is the encouragement that I get every day - even moreso for being in this competition.

"Madrid has won the European Champions League before, and after many years of not being at the required level - the whole team, but me especially - I'm looking forward to resuming the challenge.

"Transfer offers? Everybody knows that my dream since I debuted at 17 years of age is to continue at Real Madrid and that is what I will do.

"At times other teams have asked, but they always get the same response: my intention has never been to leave Real Madrid.

"Can we win the Champions League? We'll be trying. This eliminatory round is a great chance to see how we can make a start as we head into the key months.

"We've achieved a lot so far, and we're happy with it, being five points clear of second place, but now comes the moment of truth: to see whether or not this squad of capable of the Champions League and the Liga.

"We're willing to stand tall and say we're up to the challenge, but these are just words. We have to prove it."

Raúl press conference

"The moment of truth has arrived"

Raúl gave a press conference prior to the team's Champions League match with Roma, stating that he has faith in the team's chances in the competition.

The most important moment of the season starts now.

The Champions League is a very special competition for us. We've only reached the Last 16 in recent years and our goal this season is to regain our prestige in Europe. We couldn't hope for a better scenary than Rome againts a prestigious, competitive and difficult team. We have the chance of playing a good game and earning a good result tomorrow.

Your first game is away from home. Is the home advantage important?

It gives you some sort of head-start, but we know that one bad day in the Champions League is enough to be kicked out of the tournament. If we don't play well and Roma do, there will be nothing for us to do. The round lasts 180 minutes overall. We will play the first 90 tomorrow and we'll have to do our best. We can't just wait for the second game; it may be too late by then.

What do you expect from the Raúl-Totti clash?

The Real Madrid-Roma clash is more important. Totti is a brilliant player, their best man, but Roma aren't just Totti. They have great footballers, although Totti adds the magic to the team. He has been around for many years and has achieved many important things both for Roma and Italy. We will have to keep an eye on him.

He recently said it is a disgrace that you've never won the Ballon d'Or.

It flatters me to know that such an important player said that, but all that's in the past now.

Will the team's goal be not to concede any strikes?

More than that: we want to score goals. It will be important to play a good game, to dominate. Scoring a strike and conceding none will fulfill our objectives. It will be a complicated match for sure.

What motivates you?

It's simple. Playing and training is what I most enjoy doing and I am lucky enough to play for the best team in the world. That's my everyday motivation, especially in this competition. Real Madrid have won more European Cups than anybody else. All of us, especially myself, are excited about the competition resuming because for some years now we haven't performed at the level we should.

Have you received many offers from other clubs during your career?

Everyone knows that my greatest wish since I made my debut with Real Madrid at 17 is to remain here. That's how it will be. Some teams have been interested over the years, but my answer has always been the same. I've never had the intention of leaving Real Madrid.

Do you really think you can win the Champions League?

We'll see as we go. This round will be a good test of our possibilities. We are very happy with what we have achieved so far in La Liga, but this is the moment of truth; these months will determine if this squad is really capable of winning the League and the Champions League. We think we are up for the challenge, but we have to prove it.

Thanks Aga

Aww, Serg is such a snuggle slut!

Thanks Aga !!!!!!!!!!!!

2 - ROMA: Doni; Panucci (Tonetto, 67’), Juan (Ferrari, 76’), Mexes, Cassetti; Giuly, De Rossi, Pizarro (Aquilani, 61’), Mancini; Perrotta & Totti.

1 - REAL MADRID: Casillas; Ramos, Heinze, Cannavaro, Torres; Guti, Gago, Diarra (Drenthe, 78’), Robben (Baptista, 78’); Raúl & Van Nistelrooy.

GOALS:

0-1, 7': Raúl.

1-1, 23': Pizarro.

2-1, 57': Mancini.

REFEREE: Herbert Fandel (GER). Booked Diarra (22’), De Rossi (41’), Torres (63’), Perrotta (67’), Ramos (68’, suspended for the next match) & Cassetti (91’).

HIGHLIGHTS: First leg of the Champions League Last 16. Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome.

Thanks Aga & LuNo!

You're welcome Chic_Raul_ista

Thanks Chic_Raul_ista