We’ll make home advantage count, Ronaldo warns Lyon
"We need to show that we are the ones in charge," says midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo walks out for Real Madrid (Photo: Tsutomu Takasu)
Cristiano Ronaldo, never one to play down the expectations surrounding Real Madrid, has emphasised his belief that his side will overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit and beat Lyon at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Spanish giants go into the second-leg of their Champions League last 16 match after having overtaken Barcelona at the summit of La Liga this weekend, albeit on goal difference.
The Portuguese midfielder, who yet again found himself on the score-sheet for Real during their dramatic 3-2 against Sevilla, warned the Ligue 1 team that they “rule the pitch” at their home ground.
“We need to show that, at the Bernabeu, we are the ones in charge,” he told Marca. “I am confident that the stadium will be full and very positive.”
“We already know Lyon are a strong team, but now we are playing at home and I am confident that we will progress.
“It would be a huge disappointment if we did not. We are going to go out with the mentality of winning and scoring goals. If our midfield is more offensive, even better. But that decision depends on [coach Manuel] Pellegrini.”
His goal last weekend ensured the continuation of the 25-year-old’s remarkable record since arriving in Spain, with the former Manchester United favourite having scored 20 goals in 21 appearances. But Ronaldo insists it’s not all about him. “Eleven players play, not just me, and all of us feel pressure,” he continued.
“We know that the Champions League is important for this club and I believe that we can turn this tie around. We are showing that we are one of the strongest teams in La Liga.”
Olympique Lyonnais travel to Madrid on the back of a goalless draw at Boulogne on Saturday with Claude Puel’s side currently in third place in Ligue 1, two points behind leaders Bordeaux.
