Ricken: We have proved we can beat Madrid

The 36-year-old BVB director of youth development believes the Germans have the quality in their ranks to knock out Jose Mourinho's side and also wants to make up for a 1998 loss.

Former Borussia Dortmund star Lars Ricken believes Jurgen Klopp's side can defeat Real Madrid when they meet in the Champions League semifinals.

Ricken, who is now director of youth development at Dortmund, was speaking following Friday's draw, which also saw Bayern Munich paired with Barcelona in the other semifinal.

"It has been 15 years since we were in the semifinals of the Champions League. It shows the development of the team," Ricken told Uefa.com. "We have already proved we can beat Real Madrid this season, and that is why we are strongly hoping we can reach the final of the Champions League again.

"We also want some kind of revenge, because in 1998 we met them in the semifinals and lost. Well, I wouldn't really say revenge, but we want to prove ourselves."

Meanwhile, Madrid's director of football Emilio Butragueno spoke of his respect for Dortmund ahead of the mouth-watering clash.

"We have a lot of respect for Borussia Dortmund," he said. "We played them twice but didn't manage to beat them. This time we hope it will be different as we want to be in the final – that's what we are all dreaming about.

"We know their potential and how difficult it will be to stop them. It's a great motivation for us all – there is one step left to reach the final that we at Madrid have been waiting for for several years."