Real Madrid Win Would Be Perfect Birthday Present - Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso is hoping to celebrate his birthday with a victory over FC Zurich on Wednesday evening, which could give Real Madrid a place in the next phase of the Champions League.

The midfielder, who turns 28, believes that beating the Swiss outfit would be the perfect present, but thinks nothing should be taken for granted.

Following Zurich's win in Milan earlier in the competition, Alonso is well aware that Madrid could be in for a difficult evening.

"A victory against FC Zurich is vital," he was quoted as saying by the club's official website. We want to win the match and I hope it gives us a ticket to the next stage. It would be a good birthday present.

"Nowadays any team can defeat you if you don’t do your best. The Swiss surprised Milan by defeating them 1-0 in Italy. We will suffer if we fail to be on top form.

"We want to reach the next round and it would be even better to do so as group leaders. We depend on Milan because they’ve won the head-to-head against us, but we’ll have to wait and see."

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to action after six weeks out with an ankle injury, and Alonso is well aware of what he could give the Madrid team.

"Cristiano is a crucial player thanks to his special skills, but he will nevertheless need time to adapt again after missing so many games," he continued.

"We know he is important, but we can’t expect him to be 100 per cent fit right now."