Real Madrid director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno has claimed that the Spanish club have "an optimistic evaluation" of their Champions League draw against Schalke 04.
The two sides were paired together in last season's last-16 stage – where Real Madrid emerged 9-2 aggregate winners – and the clubs will again meet at the same stage this season.
"We have an optimistic evaluation of the draw," Butragueno told reporters immediately after the draw.
"We had a great experience last year, when we practically resolved the tie in the first leg, but we already know football can be cruel and this year will be different. We have to be cautious."
Real Madrid won their 10th European Cup last term.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
