Monday 17 April 2017 14:24, UK
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has called Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski "a true number nine" ahead of their Champions League meeting on Tuesday night.
Lewandowski, who has notched seven Champions League goals this season, had looked a doubt for the fixture having missed the 2-1 first-leg defeat to Madrid at the Allianz Arena, with a shoulder knock sustained against Borussia Dortmund on April 8.
Bayern are set to be handed a huge boost, however, as Lewandowski is ready to return for Tuesday's trip to the Bernabeu, looking to help turn the quarter-final tie on its head.
"We know how good a player Lewandowski is, he is a true number nine," said Zidane.
"That is a plus for Bayern, but he is their player.
"They have good players in all positions and we have to concentrate on our own game."
Lewandowski has scored 38 goals in 40 appearances this season and his presence was badly missed as Bayern not only slumped to defeat at home last Wednesday, but also drew a blank in a 0-0 draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The Poland international has also shown he is capable of the spectacular against Madrid - he scored all four of Dortmund's goals in a 4-1 semi-final, first-leg rout back in 2013.
"Lewandowski is a quality player but it's not all about him," added Madrid midfielder Casemiro.
"They've got a brilliant squad. We'll need to be at our best and not just focused on one man."
Madrid have never failed to progress after winning the first leg away from home in the Champions League.
However, Zidane insisted the 11-time European champions were not assured of anything despite having the advantage thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half double in Munich.
"We can't think about the first leg, that has already gone," said Zidane. "We know the difficulty we face. Whether Bayern play at home or away they don't change how they play.
"We still have a game to play and we need to play very, very well."
Both sides have defensive concerns with Madrid definitely without centre-backs Raphael Varane and Pepe through injury.
Bayern's preferred centre-back duo Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels face a race against time to be fit, while Javi Martinez is suspended after being sent-off in the first leg.
