Oezil: Respect but no fear for Dortmund

Mesut Oezil says Real Madrid will not go into the Champions League semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund fearing their opponents.

Jurgen Klopp’s side met the Spanish champions in the group stages and recorded a 2-1 home win and a 2-2 away draw but the Germany international is confident of winning Europe’s top competition.

“We have respect, but no fear. We know about our qualities and can beat any opponent,” the 24-year-old told Kicker.

“It’s our goal to win the Champions League. We have worked towards it for the whole year. Therefore, we’ll do everything to see off Dortmund in both encounters.

“After the group stages, there are no secrets anymore between the two teams.”

Gelsenkirchen-born Oezil, who started his professional career at Schalke, is delighted about returning to the area in which he was raised.

“I come from the Ruhr area, and therefore I’m happy to be able to play the semi-finals so close to my home,” he said.

“I always enjoy playing in Germany.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid left-back Marcelo feels his side take a similar attacking approach to Borussia Dortmund.

“We’re a lot like Dortmund, because they are not afraid to attack and in that respect we are similar,” the 24-year-old told El Mundo Deportivo.

“We really want to reach the final and we are well prepared. We’re also very close in the dressing room and it shows on the field.

“In the streets I hear people all the time talking about La Decima and I know this is a dream for the fans, but first we have to dream about proceeding to the final and go slowly, taking one step at a time.

“We are very happy to be in this final phase. It will be special to play for Real Madrid at the (Santiago) Bernabeu and hopefully we all will give our best.”

The former Fluminense man singled out Robert Lewandowski as BVB’s biggest attacking threat but stressed it would be wrong to focus on the Polish star.

“We know the whole team are very strong so we must not think only of one player, but Lewandowski is difficult to defend against,” he added.

BVB host Madrid on April 24 and travel to the Spanish capital six days later.