Real's Ronaldo promises Champions League fightback

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-09 11:40

Real's Ronaldo promises Champions League fightback

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the news room to give a news conference at the club's training grounds in Madrid March 8, 2010. [Agencies]

MADRID - Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo said this Monday his side could overcome its 1-0 deficit to Olympic Lyon from the first leg of their Champions League tie and qualify for the quarter finals.

With the final of the competition held in Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium this season, failure to make the last eight would be a humiliation.

After losing in Lyon three weeks ago, Madrid has work to do, but Ronaldo is confident his side can progress.

Part of the reason for the optimism is based in their win against Sevilla on Saturday night, when Ronaldo's side came back from 2-0 down to beat Sevilla 3-2 to maintain their one hundred percent home record.

"I hope our fans are just as supportive on Wednesday. We will do our very best to win. We have to prove to Lyon that we own the Bernabeu," said Ronaldo in Monday's press conference.

"Wednesday's match is do-or-die. We are playing very good football and we have proven that we are the strongest team in La Liga. We are familiar with Lyon. They are a strong team physically speaking, but it's our turn to play at home," he added, before making a plea for the fans to get behind the team once again.

"I am convinced that this team will respond and that we will make it through to the next round. I was amazed by the fans on Saturday and I must thank them for their support. I hope we see the same kind of atmosphere on Wednesday because they will play a crucial role in our success," he said.

The Portuguese international has played the last two finals for Manchester United, beating Chelsea two years ago and losing to FC Barcelona last season.

Now he wants to play his part in helping Madrid to its ten Champions League title.

"Everyone knows how much this club wants to win the Champions League. It has nine titles and wants ten, and this year the final will be played in our ground. I am sure we can turn this tie around. We will do everything we can from the very first to very last minute," said Ronaldo.