Real Madrid was anointed with the status of the front-runner heading into Wednesday's first leg against Galatasaray.
The Spanish champions not only disposed of Barcelona in two matches during the last few weeks, but they managed to get rid of Manchester United in the round of 16; all of this was achieved despite claims that the team was disunited and had major locker room issues.
However, the Turkish side does not seem to be bothered by being the underdog.
"We don't need to describe Real Madrid, everyone knows they are a very good team, known across the world, and they eliminated Manchester United," said Galatasaray Coach Fatih Terim earlier in the week. "We are also a good team, with good players. We respect them, but we have confidence for the game."
Terim noted that his team has tremendous weapons including new addition Didier Drogba who caused havoc on the German side Schalke 04 during the round of 16. Drogba was a fixture in Chelsea's championship run a year ago and Terim hopes he will do the same for his side.
Even with Drogba's presence, Galatasaray will live and die by the play of Burak Yilmaz. The Turkish star has eight goals in the tournament and has been the catalyst for Galatasaray's Cinderella run thus far.
The Spanish side recognizes the danger that their opponent presents. "We have to keep a clean sheet at home and score goals because I'm convinced that they're going to make it very difficult for us in Turkey," Madrid defender Sergio Ramos told Spanish publication Marca. "Being drawn against Galatasaray isn't a stroke of luck, far from it. You must never underestimate a team. They all deserve to be where they are."
Ramos was also cognizant of Galatasaray's improvement over the last few weeks. "Galatasaray have been strengthened by the arrivals of [Didier] Drogba and [Wesley] Sneijder but danger comes from the team as a whole, which is quite strong," he stated.
Predictions: Real Madrid wins 2-0.
Start Time: 2:45 PM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
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