Real Madrid's Raphael Varane expecting Roma test

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has branded Roma "a very good team" ahead of their last-16 Champions League clash this week.

On Wednesday, Los Blancos will make the trip to Rome to take on the Italian side in the first leg, before the return takes place next month.

Varane is confident that his team have the credentials to "go far in the competition", but is well aware of the threat that Roma will pose.

"Roma are a very good team at this stage of the competition. Every game is very difficult and decided by small details, which make the difference," Varane told the club's official website.

"We have to prepare [for the game] well because it won't be an easy match, but I think we have what it takes to go far in this competition.

"Like any game at the highest level, you need to be physically and mentally prepared. You must be ready to pose some tactical problems to your opponents and try to counter their strengths."

Real Madrid have not lost in any competition since Zinedine Zidane took control of the first team last month.