Wolfsburg: Via hell into football' s heaven

They are just one step away from football' s heaven, but know at the same time they will have to go through hell before. VfL Wolfsburg is aware that it takes two miracles to beat a football institution like Real Madrid.

After the surprising 2-0 in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, the German side needs another brave performance to reach the semifinals of the most important club competition in European football.

Reading the comments after last week`s humiliating punishment, there can`t be any doubt that Wolfsburg has annoyed a football giant and is now facing its vengeance. Real defender Daniel Carvajal, who missed the first duel against the German underdog, predicted: "There will be war on Tuesday. We will come out onto the pitch to overrun them with the support of 80 000."

While German football fans are still surprised to see two faces of Wolfsburg, as the club is about to miss on qualifying for an European competition next season after a poor campaign so far in the Bundesliga. At the same time, it seems to be one of football`s unraveled mysteries that Wolfsburg is about to write an historical chapter in its club history when it comes to a competition such as the Champions League. First of all it was a surprise the club reached the round of the last eight - followed by the 2-0 victory against Real.

Despite the German international and Real midfielder Toni Kroos denying Real had underestimated its opponent in the first leg as Wolfsburg is yet to play a vital role in international football. Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking is sure, "they won´t underestimate us a second time."

After the insensitively warlike comments from Real in advance of the second leg next Tuesday evening, Wolfsburg is expecting all kinds of irritating behavior from its Spanish rivals. "In Madrid we expect things to happen we can`t even think of at the moment," said Wolfsburg`s CEO Klaus Allofs.

And Wolfsburg striker Julian Draxler, one of those responsible for his team' s outstanding performance in the first leg, is expecting to have to face Real' s fury. "We annoyed them and expect some sort of backlash in Madrid. We have to be fully concentrated and close the space in front of our goal. But this year`s Champions League seems to be just the right competition for us," the 22-year-old Draxler said, who is said to, a couple of years ago, have been on the list of several European top clubs as he is regarded to be one of Germany`s biggest talents.

Statistics certainly do not speak for the underdog. Real has lost 13 of its first leg games in Europe by two or more goals but have managed to proceed to the next round eight times. "We know we need another outstanding performance to make it to the next round. But we have the chance to make it, we all know what we have to expect," said Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking.

Being ready for the last and decisive punch, Wolfsburg is aware they are still the underdog in this unequal duel. "Real is still the big favorite," said Wolfsburg CEO Klaus Allofs.

Wolfsburg`s head-coach Dieter Hecking is expected to choose a more defensive line-up for the re-match in the Spanish capital. Therefore several key figures were given a break in the last Bundesliga game (against FSV Mainz 1-1).

Both Ricardo Rodriguez and Vieirinha (right and left back) were left out as well as goal-keeper Diego Benaglio, and Julian Draxler was banned. On top, Hecking can count on Dutch striker Bas Dost who is back after a three and a half months long injury break.

Wolfsburg`s strategy for the toughest game possible, considering what the reward for it will be, will be less offensive compared to the first leg, "but we have to attack their goal as well in order to get some relief and maybe score a goal," Wolfsburg defender Naldo said.

What Wolfsburg want is to copy from the first match is to "show the same determination and run more than Real Madrid" (Draxler). He also announced, "that we won`t just wait until Real attacks, we want to fight back and score ourselves."

If Wolfsburg does manage to score a goal in front of 80 000 spectators in Bernabeu Stadium then Real Madrid and its stars will need a miracle themselves if they are not to be eliminated and humiliated a second time.

For Wolfsburg it means to keep up faith and prepare their minds for a outstandingly tough game. "We have to show that we really want to get into the next round," 2014 World Champion Andre Schuerrle said.

And as CEO Allofs said Wolfsburg even seems to be surprised to get a chance like that: "We all thought the trip to Madrid would just be some sort of excursion, but now it is Real who is having to have a second thought." Endit