Real Madrid assistant boss Fernando Hierro has said he is confident the side can go on and win the Champions League again this season, becoming the first side to retain the trophy since it took on its current guise.
Los Blancos ended their 12-year wait for La Decima last season by defeating city rivals Atletico de Madrid on a memorable night in Lisbon.
This season, the Santiago Bernabeau side cruised through the group stages, winning six out of six, but only narrowly saw off Schalke in the last 16, winning 2-0 away but losing 4-3 at home.
Real hit form this weekend, winning 9-1 against Granada in La Liga, and Hierro believes the team can carry that on in Europe and retain the trophy in Berlin. The face Atletico in the quarter finals, a team they have failed to beat in six attempts already this season.
Speaking to the UEFA website, Hierro said: “I think the current squad can go on a successful European run like we did in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They are strong and confident and they won a very close Champions League final last time.
“Every record is there just to be broken. Everyone is pessimistic now because no club has won back to back Champions Leagues, but I think we are a really powerful team with a great coach leading us. The urge to be champions of Europe is in the club’s DNA.”
