MILAN, Italy (AFP) — Schalke 04 are not kidding themselves, insisting yesterday that they are the underdogs for today’s Champions League quarter-final, first leg clash at the San Siro against holders Inter Milan.

Schalke have reached the quarter-finals of this competition for only the second time, while Inter won it for the third time last season.

What’s more, Schalke are struggling down in 11th in the German Bundesliga and are already out of the running for European qualification, while Inter are third in Serie A and in the scudetto fight.

So the Germans have no delusions of grandeur.

“They won the title last year so clearly Inter are the favourites, but we want to play well and get a good result,” said goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer.

“As for Samuel Eto’o, of course he’s a very good player but there’s no need to fear Inter, sure they’re very good in attack but our defence is also very good.”

Neuer, who is also the Germany number one, said his side could take inspiration from the 1997 UEFA Cup final when the club upset the odds by beating Inter on penalties.

But he also said that they will have to be aware of Inter’s never-say-die spirit that saw them overturn a 3-1 aggregate deficit against Bayern Munich at half-time in the second leg of the last round to go through on away goals.

Defender Benedikt Hoewedes said the players had watched a video of Inter’s 3-0 derby defeat to AC Milan at the weekend and had had a chance to analyse their opponents.

Coach Ralf Rangnick, who was at the San Siro on Saturday, admitted that Inter’s derby woes could even work against his team.

Inter may have greater experience and quality as a group, but in Spanish forward Raul, Schalke have the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer and the man who has played in more Champions League games than anyone else.