Rafael van der Vaart believes Liverpool fear the name of Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League clash at the Bernabeu.

Los Merengues will host the Reds on February 25 in the first leg of their Champions League first knockout round, and van der Vaart feels that Rafael Benitez's men are fearful of the Spanish giants.

"We're Real Madrid, which is why I think Liverpool are frightened of us. We have great players and it's going to be a great tie," said van der Vaart in an interview.

Both clubs are currently second in their respective league, although the situation is much tighter in the Barclays Premier League with Liverpool just two points behind leaders Manchester United. Real are ten points away from the Primera Liga summit.

Van der Vaart has been out of form lately, and is determined to work his way back and help Real to a tenth European trophy.

"We're anxious to do well in Europe and, if we end up as champions, I will be capable of anything. I will do anything to win the Champions League."