Confidence crucial for Lyon's Delgado

César Delgado believes Olympique Lyonnais have enough confidence to oust Real Madrid CF from the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the second season running.

A late Bafétimbi Gomis goal in the first leg at the Stade de Gerland levelled the tie after Karim Benzema had given the visitors the lead. Although that result means Les Gones must score at least once at the Santiago Bernabéu, Delgado is certain they are up to the challenge.

"Madrid know we are a solid team who run a lot and are capable of scoring goals," said the 29-year-old striker. "That doesn't exactly match Madrid's style as they have players who have excellent first touch and passing ability but our team is so full of confidence that we feel we can turn this result around."

Delgado has started only four Ligue 1 matches this season, missing almost four months of the campaign with a thigh injury, yet with the influential Michel Bastos suspended for Wednesday's game, he looks set to be given a crucial role in the Spanish capital. "We're aware it's going to be hard as Real Madrid always look to win no matter who they play," he said.

"However, we hope it'll be an open game because that would suit us all the better. We have to remain ordered and focused while also looking for the goal that would help us to achieve qualification. For us it's a pleasure to play in this stadium. We're going to enjoy it while hoping to put in a big performance."

Another plus for the visitors is the return to fitness of Delgado's fellow Argentinian Lisandro, who missed the first leg and whose influence in last year's triumph over Madrid at the same stage of the tournament has not been forgotten at Lyon. Before leaving for Spain, the former FC Porto striker penned a message on the tactics board that read: "Team-mates, I want us all to leave our lives out there on the pitch, everyone of us together. If we must go out we will die on our feet with our heads held high. We will challenge for every ball as if it were the last time we ever did so."

Should Claude Puel's team spring another UEFA Champions League upset, and consign the nine-time European champions to a last-16 exit for the seventh season running, Delgado believes his compatriot will have played a crucial role. "Lisandro is a warrior and an important player for us," he said. "His attitude is contagious."