UEFA Champions League Preview: Tottenham Prepare for Their Biggest Showdown Ever Against Real Madrid

Real Madrid vs Tottenham

Tottenham will be facing their biggest game in more than 50 years when they take on nine-time European Champions Real Madrid.

It is undoubtedly a massive game for Harry Redknapp's men and the mind games have already begun for this one.

Redknapp has been speaking about the fact that Tottenham are the clear underdogs for the match, but he expects some sort of performance from his side, although they are yet to win a match in five attempts.

It makes for a difficult reading for any Spurs fans, but the fact that their last victory came in the Champions League against AC Milan should provide some comfort for the travelling supporters.

Real Madrid are also coming into the match having just been beaten for the first time in a home match this season. It also brought an end to José Mourinho's impressive record of going nine years without a home defeat, which will undoubtedly make him take extra care on this one.

This encounter also becomes highly important given that the league looks to be beyond Real Madrid right now.

Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are expected to be involved in the match, despite their manager's mind games with their fitness.

Inter Milan vs Schalke

Inter Milan's hopes of retaining the title took a major blow against AC Milan in the weekend after they lost to their title rivals quite badly.

It means that Leonardo will be pinning all his hopes on the Champions League, which could be bad news for Schalke.

Schalke were eliminated from the Champions League at this stage a few years ago by Barcelona and they will be looking to avoid the same fate against Inter Milan.

Inter Milan had a lot to do in the last round after losing to Bayern Munich in the first leg, which will be something that Leonardo will be looking to avoid against Schalke.

Inter have been struggling recently and it is something that has been attributed towards the loss of Lucio, who will be unavailable against Schalke due to suspension. However, Leonardo will be hoping that Champions League joint top scorer Samuel Eto'o will be guiding Inter towards a victory.

Schalke's last match in the German League was suspended midway through the match, which could affect the mentality of their players for this one.

Mario Gavranovic and Peer Kluge are the injury worries for Schalke at the moment.

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