Wednesday, 27th April, 2011
Jose Mourinho has revealed he cannot pick a favourite for the clash between his Real Madrid side and Barcelona. The two meet in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu tonight, but despite Mourinho recently masterminding the downfall of the Catalans in the Copa del Rey final, he cannot label his side as favourites.
"It will be an evenly fought tie. There are no favourites", said Mourinho.
"We played great at the Bernabeu and in the Copa final, but we are up against a top class coach and his team. We know that each competition is different and that each match has its own history. We always look for balance and find it."
And the Portuguese confirmed that he heads into the contest with a relaxed group of players.
"The team is relaxed ahead of the Champions League semi-final, but we have got to give our maximum effort and avoid being influenced by what has already taken place."
Mourinho also confirmed that a draw is not necessarily a bad result, with his attitude towards such a result determined by the complexion of the game.
"A draw would be bad if we play better and have scoring chances. If it’s the opponent that plays better, I would be happy going there [to the Camp Nou with a draw]."
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