Soccer: Spurs out to stop Clasico

After a half-century's absence from the elite, Spurs seem to be on a legends tour so it should have been no surprise when they were yesterday paired with Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals with the prospect of Barcelona if they progress to the semifinals.

Real Madrid are the most successful side in European history while Barcelona are the best team going around today.

That is assuming Barcelona dispense with Shakhtar Donetsk in the last eight - no foregone conclusion - and Spurs, who have so far survived both Inter and AC Milan, dismiss Madrid.

Jose Mourinho had it right when he said: "It's not worth talking about Barca v Real Madrid in the semis. There's as much chance of a Shakhtar v Tottenham semi."

Shrewd words, though undermined by the enthusiasm with which his sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, ignored his advice talking of how Real's big squad could make the difference against the Catalans. Amazingly, it is the first time since 2004 that Madrid have made the last eight.

Rafael van der Vaart was shipped out of Madrid for a cut-price £8m to Spurs in August. The Dutchman has been a revelation at White Hart Lane and is one reason Harry Redknapp can view the tie with confidence.

Van der Vaart drew on his experience in Madrid to make a pertinent observation. Barcelona play their second leg first and Real will be carrying a considerable weight of expectation should they come to White Hart Lane next month needing a result to set up a Clasico. Van der Vaart said: "We don't have pressure, we can play our game. We have a chance I'm sure."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp agreed. "It's a tough draw but a fantastic draw," he said. The other side of the draw is equally appealing, with Chelsea paired with Manchester United.

United beat Chelsea on penalties in the final in Moscow three years ago to become European champions for the third time.

That rain-soaked night in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow has haunted Chelsea since and, according to Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, only going to the final and winning the trophy will be enough to exorcise those demons. He doesn't, however, think revenge will come into it.

"In my opinion, I don't have to have revenge for United. I was not there. For my players, I don't think it's a good motivation for revenge. It should be fantastic motivation to look forward in the future. We have four games to reach the final in London. If Chelsea reached the final there, we'd have a good revenge for 2008 - not against United."

The Champions League is the one trophy that has eluded Chelsea but Ancelotti denied suggestions that the desire to win it has reached obsessive levels. It is estimated that victory at Wembley in May would be worth up to £100m to the winners..

Defending champions Inter Milan will take on Schalke in the other match.

- INDEPENDENT