Van der Vaart relishes Madrid clash

Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart, who endured a difficult two years in the Spanish capital with Real, said they were the opponents he wanted to face in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Van der Vaart has been an instant hit in English football, becoming a fans' favourite at Tottenham and setting alight White Hart Lane in Spurs' inaugral season in the Champions League.

"I was happy when the draw was made," he said. "I had hoped this would happen because it will be fantastic to go back to Madrid. For me, it's the biggest club in the world. Of course Barcelona are the best team in the world at this moment, but you can feel the history and how big the club is when you arrive at the stadium".

Success is expected for the nine-time winners Real Madrid and manager Jose Mourinho has won the competition with Porto and Inter. At Madrid another crown is demanded.

Tottenham travel to Madrid to play the first leg of their quarter-final on 5th April and Van der Vaart is promising his team-mates they will have an experience of a lifetime.

Tottenham Hotspur tickets are available online

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