Raúl Wants Tough Champions League Challenge

Raúl González hopes that Real Madrid are not given an easy team in the next phase of the Champions League because he wants to the team to face a strong challenge.

Los Merengues' captain was not going along with many players and pundits that all hope the club will be given an easy ride in the draw that is to be made on Friday.

Madrid have a renewed spirit after an encouraging display against Barcelona and Raúl reflected that when he stated that on their day his side could beat anyone.

"There can be teams that may make things easier, but what interests us is that we are playing well and if Madrid is on form then we can beat anyone," he told AS.

"But if we are not on form then anyone can beat us. I would prefer to play a tougher team so that we have to do it the difficult way."

Reflecting on el Clásico, Raúl explained that while the fans and media were hyping up the meeting all the players were focussed on the game and was pleased that Madrid gave a god account of themselves.

"A game between Barça and Madrid is always talked about long before the game itself, but all we focus on is the 90 minutes," he continued.

"It was a very hard game, we went into it with difficulties and I think we played in a way that could have seen us win.

"If we had scored then the game would have changed and I think it would have been better to watch, with more goals.

"We have to improve in a lot of areas and but we had only spent four days with the new coach, but things feel good. We made them uncomfortable though and they had some problems.

Madrid may have dropped to 12 points behind league leaders Barcelona but Raúl tried to remain positive and claimed that the title was still a possibility.

"We are not going to give up on anything and there is a long way to go in the season, but it does depend on how our rivals at the top play," he explained.

"Barça have a very good chance, but our next five games four at home and one is away in the Copa del Rey and that will give us more preparation time in the league and the Champions League.

"We think we can still win it but we will have to keep winning and see what happens."