Metzelder to Realmadrid.com

Christoph Metzelder, who today celebrates his 29th birthday, sat down with Realmadrid.com to comment on his special day and the team’s upcoming schedule of matches.

How do you feel on you birthday?

Good. I am healthy and training. My family is coming in today so I am very happy.

How are you going to celebrate?

I’m just going to relax with my mom, my brothers and my friends. I cannot wait to have my mom’s traditional German apple tart. I love Spanish food, but I also miss my mom’s cooking.

Was the point earned at San Siro a good early birthday present?

Yes. It was an important point that allowed us to hold on to the top spot and take a big step towards the Last 16.

Another good present would be a derby victory.

We have won the last four matches against Atleti and hope to extend the streak. It will be tough because teams with new coaches are usually very motivated, but let’s hope that isn’t the case on Saturday. I would love to play in the Vicente Calderon because it’s a stadium I have yet to add to my list.

And the best would be a turnaround against Alcorcon on Tuesday.

We played poorly in the first leg and want to turn it around in the Bernabeu. A lot depends on the first few minutes and whether or not we score an early goal.

Fans will be out in full force. In four hours on Wednesday 15,000 tickets were sold.

Madridistas always support us. We all want to turn this tie around, and anything is possible in the Santiago Bernabeu.