Champions League: Real Madrid hope home form can overcome Tottenham

Media playback is not supported on this device Superb Asensio strike earns Real 5-2 win

2018-19 Champions League Quarter-Final – Real Madrid v Tottenham Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Date: Tuesday, 11 March Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Coverage: LIVE on BBC One, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Sport website and app. Live text commentary

Real Madrid host Tottenham on Tuesday looking to avoid a first three-game Champions League hoodoo since 2012.

Madrid saw the competition slipping from their grasp when they crashed out of the group stage, and their form in the knockout stages has been patchy.

They have won only twice in their last eight games and were beaten 3-0 by Juventus in Turin on Saturday.

Spurs, with a 100% home record in the competition, need only a draw to reach the quarter-finals.

Left-back Marcelo believes Real’s home form will be key.

“We know the [Tottenham] attack is very good,” he said. “But if we focus on the game we’re very confident we can win.

“We know all that we need to do to win the game.”

A thrilling, entertaining game at White Hart Lane at the weekend – in which Spurs led 2-1 before Real levelled through Luka Modric – means the Madrid side are aware of what they are up against.

“We don’t play any time without motivation and a level of intensity at the Bernabeu,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

“We have to control the game with our defensive and offensive organisation.

“We are facing a different type of opponent and an extremely motivated one. They took the initiative, we have to be wary of that.”

Tottenham midfielder Mateo Kovacic added: “We know we need to be aggressive and bring the quality of our game.

“We are hungry to reach the semi-finals.”

‘Defeat creates a bit of pressure’

Juan Martin del Potro celebrates beating Rafael Nadal to reach the quarter-finals

Last week’s quarter-final draw made for a nervous afternoon for Philippe Kohlschreiber, who is now looking forward to his first return to the Bernabeu since his shock victory over Rafael Nadal two years ago.

The German, who plays Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the last-eight on Tuesday, lifted the title at the O2 Arena in March 2017, when he beat Nadal 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 in a thrilling quarter-final.

“I’ve always said that was my favourite ever victory, so I’m really happy to play in the quarter-finals here in a place that has such a big part of my past,” said Kohlschreiber.

“That really helped me when I reached the semis. I beat world number one in the semis.

“I don’t think winning a couple of years ago still haunts me, because that’s history now. It’s okay.”

Madrid are without injured midfielder Casemiro, while winger Isco, who has also been suffering from a back problem, was substituted in the second half on Saturday.

Their other absentee is centre-back Raphael Varane, who withdrew from a fitness test on Monday to ensure he will be fit for the game.

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