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Tuchel relishing Dortmund's showdown with Real Madrid

Reuters

Dortmund - Thomas Tuchel is relishing the prospect of Borussia Dortmund's showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League group stage clash.

Dortmund has never lost at home to Real, who have won just four times in 29 away games against German clubs.

The host's Westfalenstadion has particularly bad memories for Madrid; Los Blancos have lost their last three visits to the Bundesliga giant.

Real won its first Group F match with a late 2-1 comeback win against Sporting Lisbon, while Dortmund romped to a 6-0 victory at Legia Warsaw.

But Tuchel says none of that will count against the defending European champion, with Ronaldo just three away from being the first player to score 100 goals in Europe.

"Cristiano is one of the best footballers in the world," said Tuchel. "He's an incredible winner, who can help his team at every stage of the game."

Ronaldo was furious to have been subbed in Saturday's 2-2 Spanish league draw with Las Palmas.

"We are preparing to face the best Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo in top form," said the Dortmund coach.

"Their quality is exceptional.

"Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema or Alvaro Morata are very dangerous.

"We'll need our utmost attention and solidarity, plus a lot of hard work.

"It's the Champions League, it brings out the best in players on evenings like this."

Tuchel said his stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marc Bartra, Andre Schurrle and Adrian Ramos are all fit after sustaining knocks.

Real's midfielder Casemiro will be missing with injury and Tuchel says it will be a blow to Zinedine Zidane's team.

"He is a very important, very strong in the tackle and he's a strong runner, who Real will of course miss," said Tuchel.

Borussia has scored 20 goals in winning its last four matches.

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki says it will be a dream come true to face Real's BBC attack - Benzema, Bale and Cristiano (Ronaldo).

"This is like a childhood dream. Everyone dreams of playing against Real in their career," said Burki.

"We go out there with our heads held high, we're in great shape."

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