Source: SKY_Sports
Diarra confident of victory
Lassana Diarra has no doubts that Real Madrid will qualify for the next round of the UEFA Champions League by beating Liverpool at Anfield.
The French midfielder is not feeling the pressure of the first leg defeat and believes that the Spanish club, whom he joined in January, will win the second game on Tuesday.
Diarra explained that Madrid will have to concentrate on withstanding pressure at the start and sticking to their game-plan.
"I am convinced we are going to win. Everything is possible in football, and even though it won't be an easy match we will do whatever it takes to move on," he told the club's official website.
"The beginning will be crucial because they will pour on the pressure, but we can do a lot of damage if we are able to play our game.
"We need to remain cool and collected because we won't go anywhere if we worry about all the surroundings. The fans are loud and do everything they can to help their team, so we have to block it all out and focus on playing."
Diarra picked out Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as a key man to watch, along with the Spanish players in the Reds' ranks.
"I think Gerrard is Liverpool's best player. He has it all. Very few players have comparable strength, power and skills. He is always by his team's side," he added.
"I don't need to mention players like Torres, who everyone here is already familiar with. Xabi Alonso and Carragher are also important players, but we cannot be thinking about them and must do everything we can to win the match."
Real Madrid have been embroiled in the Spanish title race over the past few weeks, but Diarra says he would rather triumph in Europe than win La Liga.
He said: "I am interested in both La Liga and the Champions League, but because Real Madrid is considered the best team in Europe, winning the Champions League sounds very exciting.
"I have only been here for two months, but I know I want to go on vacation with a title in my hands."
