Former Schalke 04 defender Christoph Metzelder has admitted that the Bundesliga outfit will need luck on their side to beat Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Schalke were handed a tough tie against the Spanish giants in yesterday's draw having finished second to Chelsea in Group E, ousting Basel in the final match of the group stage.
Metzelder, who also played for Madrid, concedes that the game is one that he would have loved to have featured in and is anticipating an entertaining encounter.
"You know what? I was actually sad for the first time since my retirement. Schalke against Real Madrid is sure to be a fantastic game. The rest of the draw is just as attractive - but really tough for the sides who finished in second place in their groups," Metzelder told the Bundesliga's official website.
"In this game of all games every single player - including those on the bench - has to give 100%. Complete passion, desire and focus are absolute necessities.
"Then you've also got to have luck on your side. Whatever happens it's a great match-up and the atmosphere for the game in Schalke will be a real highlight of the round."
Metzelder spent three years with Madrid between 2007 and 2010 before moving to Schalke, where he finished his career at the end of last season.
Barney Corkhill
