Act One of Spain's attempt at pulling off the impossible against the Germans will be witnessed at the Bernabeu Tuesday, when Real Madrid look to overcome a 4-1 deficit against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg semifinal of the Champions League.

After the thrashing handed out to Real Madrid by Robert Lewandowski and Dortmund, Jose Mourinho, who admitted Dortmund were by far the better side in the first leg, will ask for a perfect performance from his side.

Real were outrun, outfought and outthought by Dortmund in the first leg amongst a partisan crowd at the Westfalenstadion.

Now, the Real faithful at the Bernabeu will be expecting - or more like praying - for a reversal of fortunes. It does not look likely, with Dortmund pretty much having Real's number all season.

It started with a 2-1 win over the Spanish champions in Germany in the group stages, before Real escaped with a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, thanks to a late goal from Mesut Ozil.

That was a Real side still not quite hitting their straps, everyone said prior to the semifinal first leg. However, Jurgen Klopp's men battered Real Madrid in the 90 minutes in Germany, with Lewandowski scoring all four goals in a 4-1 triumph.

The only saving grace - the one hope that Real will hold onto -- is the away goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, before a trio of goals in the second half sent Real Madrid reeling, and Dortmund tasting a place in the final at Wembley.

Barcelona, in the other semifinal against Bayern Munich, went down 4-0, but Real will be hanging onto the fact that their one goal gives them the slightest of chances.

Win 3-0 at home, and Madrid will be through, travelling to London next month to play in the showpiece final. However, concede just one goal, and Real will have to score at least four to just force the tie to extra time.

Going by the evidence of the first leg, Dortmund will most likely score one goal, if not more, making the defence the most important factor in the tie.

Real are at their best when they face a side that like to hold onto possession for long periods, so that they can spring on the counter-attack, using the pace of Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria and the guile of Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil.

Dortmund are chameleons of the highest order, though. They can tailor their game according to their opponents, which is what makes Jurgen Klopp such a genius.

The German side will be more than happy to give Real the ball, while springing on the counter themselves. Look for Dortmund to press Real in key areas, perfect to jump on a quick attack.

Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan were simply brilliant in the first leg - the former making the crunching tackles and keeping things simple with the latter picking out the right passes and making those late forward runs which catches any defence off guard.

Real need to take control of midfield if they are to stand any chance off pulling off an improbable win. Because if you give Gundogan, especially, time on the ball, the likes of Marco Reus and Mario Gotze will come into play, which will in turn create opportunities for Lewandowski, who really only needs a sniff at goal, as Real found out with such devastating effect in the first leg.

Alonso will be key to this as will Sami Khedira; but Dortmund have done so well to nullify the threat of Alonso in every single game the two sides have played this season.

Ronaldo, who is expected to be just about fit enough for the game after missing out on the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid due to a thigh strain, cuts a forlorn figure when starved of service, and it will be up to the likes of Alonso and Ozil, who might have to come deeper to take possession of the ball, to ensure the Portuguese superstar is given ample opportunities.

Alvaro Arbeloa returns from suspension, but is an injury doubt along with Pepe, while Marcelo is definitely ruled out. Dortmund are sweating on the fitness of fullback Lukasz Piszczek, who is struggling with a groin strain, while Gundogan is expected to be fit after overcoming a neck problem.

Jose Mourinho thrives on crises, and if Real can pull off a comeback for the ages, it really will go down as one of the manager's best ever victories - easier said than done though.

Expected lineups: Real Madrid: Diego Lopez; Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao; Khedira, Alonso; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Higuain.

Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Reus, Gotze; Lewandowski.

Prediction: 4-2 to Real Madrid