Zenit`s Krizanac: We`ll Play To Win Against Real

Croatia’s Krizanac will not be included in the Real Madrid line-up due to an injury, but he believes his team mates can secure a win.

The elite Champions League continues. Croatian player Ivica Krizanac will not play in the ranks of Russian champion Zenit, who will take a break due to an injury. St. Petersburg still regrets the first match, when they were unfortunately defeated by Juventus.

- It`s a shame for that match, we did not deserve to lose. We played very well and showed that we can compete with them. Del Piero`s 35 metre kick and the goalkeeper`s mistake and that was that. We lost with the minimum, a point that we were supposed to have won. The atmosphere was excellent and we all believe that we can do something against Real – Krizanac said.

Real overpowered Bate 2:0 in the first match on home pitch and the Russians are aware that they are the favourites in this match. But they will surely not surrender.

- There is no way we will surrender, we play every match to win. We are all aware that Real is the favourite in the match against us, as well as for winning the Champions league – Krizanac said.

On Croatian manager Slaven Bilic`s latest list, Ivica is the first alternative for Robert Kovac, who was penalised with four matches on non-play. But he wants to be ready for the gathering first.

- Robert Kovac is not here because he was given this penalty without deserving it and I hope we will decrease it. Eduardo`s leg was broken and Taylor was banned from playing three matches. Simic is an excellent lad and I`m sorry he said goodbye to the squad. Every athlete would love to start, but there is a coach in the team and the club that reach the decisions. Competition is quite tough and I will have to make an effort to get my chance – Ivica said.

He spoke with team mate Timoschuk about Ukraine, and is aware of the importance of the match.

- This is a very important match for me, even more important that England in Zagreb. We have the power to win this match. It will not be a real winter, but surely the temperature is lower that we are used to. I spoke with Timoschuk who says the pitch is excellent. They expect the same thing as we do, favourable results for their team. They will be maximally motivated – Krizanac concluded.

Other Champions League matches include:

AaB - Man. United  

Villarreal - Celtic  

Fiorentina - Steaua  

Bayern - Lyon  

Arsenal - Porto  

Fenerbahçe - Dynamo Kyiv  

Zenit - Real Madrid  

BATE - Juventus