MADRID: Real Madrid's in-form striker Karim Benzema predicted a "war on the pitch" when the club faces his old outfit Lyon in their crucialChampions League match on Wednesday. "Of course I have a lot of friends (in Lyon) but on the pitch it will be war," the French international said in an interview with Spanish sports daily Marca.
He said he is "mentally much stronger" than when he played against Lyon in the first leg of the last-16 tie in France on February 22.
"Now I am more complete. Madrid is another level, another championship, it's not like in France," said the 23-year-old.
Benzema came on as a second half substitute to score against Lyon to earn a 1-1 draw for Real on February 22 that puts them in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals in the second leg at the Bernabeu stadium.
"It was very important to score over there ... we can't say that it is a big advantage but it is already good to have a drawn game 1-1."
Benzema was born in Lyon and won four league titles with his local club before they sold him to Real for 35 million euros in July 2009.
The Frenchman has found life difficult in Madrid but injuries to Argentine Gonzalo Higuain and more recently to Cristiano Ronaldo gave him a chance to shine and he has grabbed it with both hands, scoring six goals in three league matches.
Nine-time European champions Real have crashed out of the Champions League in the last 16 for six successive seasons.
Lyon eliminated Real 2-1 on aggregate at this stage last season so Madrid will be out for revenge.
"I don't know if (Lyon) are better, but when they play against us they always grow and reach our level," said Benzema.
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