Mourinho prepares Real for Lyon revenge

photo source: AFP

Nine-time winners Real have fallen at the last 16 stage in each of their last six seasons and Mourinho believes that is something his team have to get over along with the fact that Lyon eliminated Real 2-1 at this stage of the competition last season.

"There are two barriers we have to overcome: getting into the quarter-finals and overcoming a Lyon team that eliminated us the last time we met," Mourinho said.

"I am not losing any sleep (over Lyon). Since the day the draw was made I have worked with my team to find out all the details about Lyon. We also have (Zinedine) Zidane who knows them well."

French legend Zidane is an advisor to Real president Florentino Perez and has been giving Real inside information on his compatriots.

Real defeated Levante 2-0 on Saturday as Mourinho stretched his unbeaten league home record with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real to an incredible nine years.

Mourinho's team have won all 12 of their league home matches but have not been as convincing away from home, dropping 12 points on the road, and have had one day's less rest than their French opponents who played on Friday.

"I liked that my team played a serious match," Mourinho said. "These games ahead of Champions League matches can be complicated because players may focus more on the European competition.

"Levante were organised in defence, but we scored early and had things under control. Winning and resting players is what mattered."

Togo forward Emmanuel Adebayor, German midfielder Mesut Ozil and Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso were all rested against Levante.

"I picked a team that was good enough to win the game but with respect to our opponents," the Portuguese added. "We gave a rest to (Mesut) Ozil and Xabi (Alonso). Everyone knows they will play in Lyon against a team that have had 24 hours more rest than us, which is a lot."

Cristiano Ronaldo started against Levante and Mourinho said his countryman was feeling fit and didn't need to be rested ahead of the Lyon clash.

"Cristiano always likes to play. He is fine from a physical standpoint and does not feel tired, so why should I take him out?" asked Mourinho.

Ronaldo is confident that Real can take revenge on Lyon this season but is well aware of the threat posed by the seasoned European campaigners.

"We know it is going to be difficult but I think it will turn out well," Ronaldo said. "Lyon are a complicated team. They are not doing well in the league but in the Champions League they are always in the last 16. I think we are going to play well there and win the game."

French international forward Karim Benzema scored the opening goal in the Levante win and hopes to get the chance to face his hometown club who sold him to Real for 35 million euros.

"It is a difficult match against a good team," said Benzema. "I am especially looking forward to it because I have my friends and family there. I hope to beat Lyon and win the Champions League."