APOEL Tackle Real

APOEL’s historic run in the Champions League will receive the ultimate test tonight when the tiny Cypriot club takes on mighty Real Madrid in arguably the biggest quarterfinal mismatch in the competition’s history.

Having already made history by becoming the first Cypriot team to reach the Champions League’s knockout stages, APOEL sparked street parties on the small Mediterranean island by eliminating seven-time French league winner Lyon in the last 16.

Record nine-times winners Real are big favourites to end APOEL’s stunning run in becoming the first Cypriot side to reach the last eight of any European competition, not that the APOEL faithful care about the threat of defeat.

Chairman Phivos Erotocritou has apologised after thousands waited for tickets on Thursday but only a handful managed to get their hands on the prized asset.

“It is truly shameful what happened, with the hassle we imposed on so many thousands of people with a wrong decision we made,” Erotocritou was quoted as saying by the Cyprus Mail.

“I won’t try to justify the unjustifiable. We have responsibility, we did not handle this matter with the tickets the way we should have. I truly apologise and say sorry to everyone.”

The scramble for tickets follows APOEL’s strong showings in the 23,000-capacity GSP Stadium during the competition with a motley mix of journeymen from around the world really making Cyprus home.

However, a goalless draw against city rivals Omonia Nicosia on Friday suggested APOEL are not in the best of form.

Even though Omonia played the whole second half with 10 men, APOEL failed to create any good chances with their mind probably on Tuesday’s game.

Coach Ivan Jovanovic will be without suspended Brazilian Gustavo Manduca, whose early goal was vital in the last-16 triumph against Lyon three weeks ago.

The Serbian will have the rest of the squad at his disposal.

Madrid will be without influential midfielder Xabi Alonso after the Spain international picked up a yellow card in the round of 16 second-leg win against CSKA Moscow.

With Lassana Diarra injured, Esteban Granero is likely to slot in alongside Sami Khedira in the holding midfield role.