Keller delighted with 'fantastic' Madrid challenge

FC Schalke 04 coach Jens Keller was delighted with a "great draw" after his side were paired with Real Madrid CF – whom Keller called "the most famous club in the world" – in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Carlo Ancelotti recognised that his team will need to be at their best to make the quarter-finals – and vowed to have Madrid peaking for the February first leg. 

Jens Keller, Schalke coach 
It's a great draw for us and our fans. It's a fantastic challenge for our players to play against the most famous club in the world with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas and Gareth Bale. We are really looking forward to it.

Benedikt Höwedes, Schalke defender
I'm happy we will play against Real Madrid. It's a shame Sami Khedira won't be available for Madrid due to injury. It will be a new experience for me to play in the Santiago Bernabéu. Although Madrid will be big favourites, we will try everything to give them a good fight.

Julian Draxler, Schalke forward 
It's going to be a real Champions League highlight for us. It has always been a dream of mine to play against Real Madrid in the Bernabéu. I don't think we could have been drawn against a stronger team, but we will take up the challenge and I'm really looking forward to both games.

Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid coach
They are an experienced team. We have not been lucky or unlucky with the draw. It is the Champions League round of 16 and we have to be at our best in both matches. It is a huge competition and we have to be ready and give our best. I think we are doing well and, come February, we have to be ready and play our best. It is the Champions League round of 16 and it is always difficult. We have the desire to go through to the quarter-finals. In the Champions League you have to do your best in every match, staying focused and motivated. We cannot make mistakes in any match in this competition.

Emilio Butragueño, Real Madrid director
There were stronger teams in the draw but every time we've played German opposition, we have struggled. We will have to be alert to every detail of this tie. One bad night in Europe will leave you out of the competition so we will need to be careful. For sure we can call Raúl [González but] our coaching staff are going to prepare fully. I think we will progress. I see us getting better all the time, although in Pamplona [Saturday's 2-2 Liga draw at CA Osasuna] there was a setback.