Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan wants to ‘embarrass’ Champions League opponents Real Madrid. ‘We’ll try to make a miracle…’
The sides meet in the first leg on Wednesday and Nainggolan, in an interview with Marca, has praised Los Blancos but explained the Italians’ game plan.
“They’re one of the best teams in the world. No one can doubt that. The game will help us know where we are now, where stand with these teams,” he said.
“Stadio Olimpico will help us. We’ll try to embarrass Madrid. It’s a challenge for the players and for the fans and we will do our best.
“Zinedine Zidane is decisive. I admired him as a player. Madrid are a very attacking team and will leave space. Our trick will be to try and use it.
“We’ll try to hurt them. We’re at home and we have to get a good result for the return leg. We’ll try to make a miracle. They’re a great team, but we have to stand up.”
Nainggolan was part of the Roma team heavily beaten in the group stage by Barcelona at Camp Nou, though the game in the Italian capital ended 1-1, and was asked who he thinks is better – Los Blancos or La Blaugrana, based on past experience against Madrid.
“They are different games and different moments. At least we drew with Barca here,” he noted.
“We played Madrid twice last summer. Summer games aren’t worth a lot. They’re both great teams and always reach the semi-final at least and play to win.”