Champions League match a "final" for Real
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Real Madrid will approach Tuesday's Champions League match against Lazio as a "final," midfielder Jose Maria Gutierrez said.

Although the nine-time Champions League winners lead Group C entering the last week of the stage, Madrid could be knocked out of the tournament with a loss.

"It will be a 'final' because if we earn a negative result we (could) be out," Gutierrez said. "A club as this one can't afford that to happen."

Real Madrid could still advance with a one-goal loss, if Werder Bremen defeats Olympiakos in the other match in Group C. Real Madrid would earn the last spot based on goal differential with Olympiakos and Lazio in that scenario.

If Madrid loses and Olympiakos wins or ties, then the Spanish giants would be eliminated.

Real Madrid could easily end all the possible scenarios by at least earning a draw. Madrid would secure advancement with the point, but needs a win to lock up the group.

"Winning and going through as group leaders are the two important things to achieve in the game against Lazio," Gutierrez said.