Keller: Real Madrid second-best behind Bayern

By Myfanwy Garman

Feb 25, 2014 6:00:00 PM

The Schalke boss is hoping for a minor miracle as his side take on Carlo Ancelotti's men but believes they can take advantage of Madrid's wretched run in Germany

Schalke boss Jens Keller says he is hoping for a "minor miracle" against Real Madrid, who he believes are second only to Bayern Munich in the world.

Keller's side face the Blancos in the last 16 of the Champions League and will be hoping to take advantage of Madrid's woeful record in Germany where they have only won once in their last 25 attempts.

The Gelsenkirchen outfit welcome Carlo Ancelotti's men to the Veltins Arena on Wednesday and Keller says they will have to be at their very best to take anything from the game.

“Behind Bayern Munich, Real Madrid is maybe the second best team in the world at this moment,” the coach told reporters.

“They have extraordinary players in each position and that is why it will not be an easy game for us.

"We'll have to be compact at the back to achieve what might be a minor miracle of getting a result.

“But we are the home team and want to play in a brave way without hiding from Real. To be successful tomorrow everybody has to play at 100 per cent. Then it might be possible to achieve a little wonder.” ---------------------- goal.com