Schalke boss Roberto di Matteo has said he hopes the media is right and the BBC fails to perform once again tonight.
The Germans visit the Champions League holders tonight and go into the game with a 2-0 deficit and somewhat of a mountain to climb. But the hosts have come under fire in recent days after their defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday that put a huge dent in their title hopes.
The focus of much of the anger and criticism is on the forwards – Bale, Benzema and Cristiano – and di Matteo says he hopes the trio have another off night.
It is going to be difficult for us but we are going to attempt it. Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in the world, very successful. He has worked for very prestigious clubs and won many trophies. I met him when I played for the Italian national team and he was the assistant coach. Real Madrid are a very strong side and it’s very difficult to play at their level – we will try our best. We need to be well organised. I hope the media are right and their forwards are having a tough time – it’s impossible to stop them altogether,” he said at his press conference.
Asked about whether he thought Los Blancos were a club in crisis, the Italian said: “Three weeks ago I was asked about the crisis at Madrid – but I don’t think there is a crisis. It would be a sensational experience for us to win. If we start scoring, it could get interesting.”
