London: APOEL's historic run in the Champions League will receive the ultimate test on Tuesday night when the tiny Cypriot club takes on mighty Real Madrid in arguably the biggest quarterfinal mismatch in the competition's history.
Having already made history by becoming the first Cypriot team to reach the Champions League's knockout stages, APOEL sparked street parties on the small Mediterranean island by eliminating seven-time French league winner Lyon in the last 16.
Real, the nine-time European champions with a galaxy of superstars that include Cristiano Ronaldo and Iker Casillas, will be next in APOEL's firing line when the first leg is played in Cyprus.
"This is the apex of the team's history so far, which also honors Cypriot football," APOEL official Panicos Hadjiliasis told The Associated Press.
"It's the highest honor to represent Cyprus among the eight best teams in Europe.
"We have tremendous respect for Real, we'll do what we've done in all previous European matches. We've reached this far in the competition under our own steam and we'll give it our all."
In another match on the same night, Chelsea travel to Portugal’s Benfica.
With Chelsea five points off a top-four place in the Premier League after a 0-0 draw against Tottenham on Saturday, the sole English team left in the Champions League may need to win it this year to ensure a 10th straight season in the competition.
Leaving Benfica with a first-leg advantage will be tough, however, as the Portuguese team is unbeaten in its past 10 home games in Europe.
Benfica are bidding to reach the semifinals in Europe's top club competition for the first time since 1990.
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