C. Ronaldo and Benzema are stars to shine : Manuel Pellegrini

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has admitted his side are feeling confident ahead of the Champions League clash against Lyon in France tomorrow evening, despite being knocked out of the competition at this phase for the last five years.

"The squad is optimistic,” he told a press conference this evening. “We feel confident in the possibility of making it through rather than frustration for failing to do so in recent years."

The Chilean also confirmed French striker Karim Benzema has recovered from his injury and was looking forward to returning to his former stomping ground.

"Benzema is ready to play. He is very happy. Karim is a very important player and people love him here. No doubt the match will be special to him."

The coach also hinted that 'CR9' would be the one to inspire the team to conquer their round-of-16 demons once and for all.

"Cristiano's strength always gives the team a boost in every way. We want to use him to try to help us earn a favorable result here, unlike those earned by the team in recent campaigns."

Pellegrini also confirmed that Brazilian star Kaka had finally put his injury woes behind him and has been playing great.

“Kaka is now playing phenomenally well because he no longer feels any pain. Let's see how far he can really go," he concluded.

Lyon Is Tough: Iker Casillas

February 16 2010 will be the craziest soccer game play of the year of Champions League. Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is expecting a difficult test when his side face Lyon in the last 16 of this year's UEFA Champions League.

Casillas is aware of Lyon's dip in form domestically and although the Ligue 1 side have seen a number of their top players leave, including Casillas' team-mate Karim Benzema, he still feels they will cause problems for Los Merengues.

"It is true that the latest clashes with Lyon have been more bad than good, but back then only Raul, Guti, [Sergio] Ramos, and myself played. We've created a great team and I reckon with this squad we can progress to the quarter finals but that doesn't mean Lyon won't be a difficult hurdle for Real Madrid," the 28-year-old shot stopper told a press conference.

"Maybe this year they are suffering more in the league, but all teams change. Their great players, including [Mahamadou] Diarra and [Karim] Benzema have signed in recent years for other teams. But if they have the same mentality as years ago, they will be a fast team, with very good balance and very dangerous from free-kicks. Surely the climate is also a handicap for us.

"We would like to score a goal and not concede. 1-0 would be the ideal result for us."

Evra...Is He Really Important For RM Clash?

Evra the Star for Manchester United is already set to miss the Biggest clash of this years Champions League. According to the star player...

"I know we will play Real Madrid," the French international told Inside United.

"I can't explain it. It is just a feeling. But I think we will play them, maybe even in the next round."

"I once played against him in an Under-21 international but remember, I used to face him every day in training. He knows it could be very difficult for him," said Evra.

"Ronaldo was a close friend and I was sad to see him leave. But you need to accept it.

"And the thing about Manchester United is, no one player is the star - the club is the star. Sir Alex Ferguson tries to maintain that every year."

Because I am a close friend of Ji there has been this reaction," said Evra.

"This is what happens when you play for United. You go to every part of the world and everybody loves you.

"I am still good friends with Carlos but it was painful when I saw him with the City shirt on.

"He was upset by the booing but he understands."

The fans are really looking forward for such a big clash of the year and hoping to see all their favorite stars playing on the same ground.