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Guti ready for Madrid duty

Real Madrid CF's Guti has "good memories" of playing AS Roma but that will count for nothing on Wednesday night.

By Greg Demetriou & Jesús Marín

Tough contest
The 28-year-old, thriving in a central midfield position this season, has "good memories" of playing in the Italian capital, having scored twice on Madrid's last visit, a 3-0 first group stage victory in September 2002. He is expecting a tougher test this time, however, despite the match being played behind closed doors and the Italian club's elimination.

'Good memories'
"Roma are a big team and it's not going to be easy," Guti told uefa.com. "They have nothing to play for, so I'm sure their reserves will get their chance and try to make the most of it. The only thing that matters is that we're playing for qualification for the last 16. I hope all our players are on top form."

Owen praise
Guti was rested for Sunday's goalless Primera División draw at Villarreal CF, along with several others, but one who featured was in-form striker Owen. The Spanish international has been "surprised" by the form of the England player and believes he could be the match-winner at the Stadio Olimpico. "He [Owen] is well integrated into the team and this is very important," said Guti. "The coach is not giving him much time on the field, but he's scoring very important goals. That shows him in a very good light.

Making progress
"I don't know how his life is off the pitch, but of course he is popular," Guti added. "If you play at Real Madrid you're always popular. We all get on and make an effort to welcome new players. As for Spanish, I think he's learning all the time. In a few months I'm sure he will speak it very well."

Television audience
With an empty stadium tonight, on-field communication will not be a problem for Madrid's players and Guti does not expect the unusual atmosphere to cause any difficulties, at least not for the visitors. "Perhaps the Roma players will miss the passion of their supporters, but it's the second game [for them] in these circumstances. They know people can watch on television so they have to play a good game," Guti said.

No rest
Having always to be at your best is a concept well known to Guti, who has often found himself relegated to the sidelines when Madrid's bigger names are available. "It's very difficult to win a starting place, because the competition and standard of player is very high," he said. "After that, when you have a place you know the most difficult thing is to keep it. You can't make mistakes and of course you have to take advantage of all opportunities."

Domestic hope
If European success can be achieved, then Guti has high hopes that Madrid can raise their game in Spain as well, where they are nine points behind leaders FC Barcelona. He said: "We have the composure to play well, but the results are not coming as we want. If they come soon everybody will forget the bad times."

Good format
Despite this evening's uncertainty, many still expect Madrid to go all the way, but Guti is under no illusions: "After the group stage, you still have the best teams in the competition and sometimes there are surprises like Monaco, who beat us last year. I think it's a good format that produces exciting football."

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