Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said on Thursday that he still believes his side can progress to the Champions League final, despite being battered 4-1 in the first-leg of their semi-final against Borussia Dortmund.
Robert Lewandowski was the hero for the Germans as he became the first man to score a hat-trick against Real in the Champions League with all four goals on the evening.
But Casillas said he was convinced that Los Blancos have the weapons to produce a famous comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, even if many are already writing them off.
"The belief in the comeback exists," he told a press conference in the Spanish capital.
"I think there is a great opportunity. We are playing at home, the fans will be motivated and what we need to do is ask for their support.
"For the individual and collective qualities, I think that in the Bernabeu we have the players to come back in this tie. The ideal thing, without underestimating Dortmund, would be to go into half-time 2-0 up. I believe we have more individual quality than them.
"We are a step from the final with a very adverse result and we are conscious that just to get to a semi-final is very difficult. I have had years of getting to the last-16 and quarter-finals and every year that passes it hurts me because it is another year we go out losing.
"All we are thinking about is fighting until we are left without air at the Bernabeu to try and get into the final."
The final takes place on May 25 at London's Wembley stadium.
Casillas had to watch Wednesday's match from the bench as he continues to be overlooked by manager Jose Mourinho in favour of Diego Lopez.
The World Cup and double European championship-winning Spain captain has not played since January after breaking a bone in his hand and as Lopez's performances keep him on the sidelines.
Casillas has admitted that he and Mourinho do not have the warmest of relationships but said the good of the club comes before both of them.
"Mourinho is honest. Our professional relationship is very respectful and on the personal side it is obvious that we don't have the same relationship," he added.
"Xabi Alonso said the same thing and I don't think we need to keep going round in circles. I will say again, above everything is the club."
Casillas maintained that he was now fit to play and will continue to push Lopez until he gets his chance to play again.
"I think it is obvious that I am OK to play. I am always at the disposition of the manager and to try to help the team. Someone else decides, not me.
"I am happy because for the past month my hand has been great and in the long run what I have to do is wait for my opportunity and take it when it comes. After three months without playing, I am like a kid wanting to make his debut.
"I won't desist for one moment. It is good for Diego Lopez because I will push him and he won't relax. He has had very good performances. He has helped the team get to where it is."
Source: AFP
