3rd qualifying round, 2nd leg - match preview

Rutten backs team to score in Madrid

The tension is rising ahead of Wednesday evening's Champions League clash at Atletico Madrid as the Royal Blues bid to qualify for the group phase for the second time in succession and the fourth time overall. Fred Rutten is in an optimistic mood going into the game.

The Schalke boss believes his side must take three things to heart if they are to achieve their goal. "We have to try and control the game and keep our shape. And if we score that will certainly make it easier", the Dutchman said.

Rutten will be looking to build on last season in this respect. "Last year the team performed exceptionally well in the Champions League. That experience will now be of benefit to us. We have a lot of respect for our opponents, but Atletico also have respect for us."

Marcelo Bordon takes a similar view. And the Schalke skipper is really fired up ahead of the game: "I've never been involved in such a crucial fixture so early in the season. But I love matches like these."

The Royal Blues are not discouraged by the fact that they failed to score away from home in the Champions League last season, a statistic that doesn't interest Rutten. "Schalke hadn't scored in their opening Champions League game in three previous attempts, but against Atletico two weeks ago we did just that. And we have the quality to score in Madrid, too."

Atletico's Sergio Aguero will be another one with goals on his mind. The Argentina striker won gold at the Olympic Games in Beijing last weekend but would have been suspended for the first leg at the VELTINS Arena. Aguero was Atletico's leading scorer last season and is set to play tomorrow. "He showed what a class player he is at the Olympics", said Rutten. "He has a lot of qualities and scoring goals is certainly one of them. But we're prepared."

And despite temperatures of over 30 degrees being forecast for Wednesday Rutten doesn't believe the Madrid heat will be a disadvantage. "We have a lot of South Americans in the team who are used to such conditions. It won't be a problem for the players." If it were up to the Dutchman, it would be 30 degrees every day. "It's always cold in Holland. It rains a lot as well. So I prefer this kind of weather."