Fernando Hierro: 'Real Madrid can retain Champions League'

Former Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro believes that Los Blancos can retain the European Cup this season.

No team in the modern era has successfully defended the Champions League, but Hierro is confident that his former club have what it takes.

"I think the current squad can go on a successful European run like we did in the late 1990s and early 2000s," Hierro told UEFA.com. "They are strong and confident and they won a very close Champions League final last time.

"Every record is there just to be broken. Everyone is pessimistic now because no club has won back to back Champions Leagues, but I think we are a really powerful team with a great coach leading us. The urge to be champions of Europe is in the club's DNA."

Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League later this month.