Steven Gerrard believes that Real Madrid will be more concerned than Liverpool about going out of the Champions League when the two teams meet on Tuesday, but admitted that he was still impressed by them as a club.
The Reds' captain thinks that his team's form in Europe will ensure that los Merengues know how hard it will be for them to turn around the first leg result secured in the Bernabeu two weeks ago.
Citing Liverpool's record against some of the continent's best teams in recent seasons, Gerrard is relishing the prospect of adding the name of Real Madrid to their hit-list.
"We have knocked all of the best sides out over the last few years and we have to make sure we do the same to Real Madrid,” he told the Merseyside club's official website. “I'm sure they're more worried about the tie than us because they know how good we are in Europe.
"But they are Real Madrid. They are the most successful club there is out there, so to beat them at Anfield and for us to be able to say we have beaten them twice and knocked them out of the Cup would be a big achievement.
"When it comes to Europe we've got to be confident. Over the years we have proved we can go anywhere, match any team and beat them. Over two legs we are a very strong team.
"Defensively and tactically we are spot on and we've got match winners in the side, so there's no reason why we shouldn't be confident on Tuesday night.
"You can probably tell by the way I'm speaking that we respect Madrid, we know it's not over and we'll not be taking them lightly.
"I think the next goal in the tie is massive. If Madrid get it then it's game on, and that's exactly what we don't want to happen. We want to make sure we get it and try to kill the tie off.
"When we go away in Europe the key point is to be sound defensively and tactically well organised, and that's what we were in the Bernabeu. Defensively we were solid and limited them to long efforts on goal. The idea will be the same on Tuesday, to be strong at the back and try to score another goal."
Gerrard is as excited as any of the fans about the prospect of playing Real Madrid after missing the first leg and thinks that the occasion will be one to remember.
"If you are not looking forward to playing Real Madrid at Anfield in front of 45,000 people who are going to be on the edge of their seats roaring the side on, then you shouldn't be involved," he continued.
"I cannot wait for it, personally. All the lads are talking about it and there was certainly a great feeling and a great buzz going to Madrid. Before the game in the dressing room you could see the lads were really up for it and I am sure it will be the same come Tuesday night.
"It is a massive game for us. We have a big chance to go all the way again and we have got to take it."
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