GOAL

Toni Kroos has insisted that Real Madrid's injury problems should not be an excuse as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid.

The German believes complaining about their fitness woes will get the Santiago Bernabeu side nowhere and has set his sights on the semi-finals

The reigning European champions had to settle for a scoreless draw at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg of the quarter-final tie and they will have to make do without first-teamers Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale due to injuries picked up in the past week.

Kroos remains confident, though, and feels Carlo Ancelotti's men have what it takes to end their seven-game winless streak against Atletico.

"It's not good to have so many key players injured, but there is no point complaining about it. There is no doubt that Modric is an important player for the team but we have to focus on winning the game," Kroos said at a press conference.

"We are very motivated. We had a good result in the first leg. Atletico have been difficult opponents for us but tomorrow we have the chance to beat them. Winning will be beautiful for us.

"We have to repeat our first-half performance in the first leg. However, we have to do it during the whole game this time. 

"Everybody knows Atletico - they have been very successful against us in recent matches. Our objective is to qualify for the semi-finals. We have to dominate the midfield and we will create chances if we manage to do so."

The last time Real beat city rivals Atletico was in last season's Champions League final when they needed extra-time to win La Decima.