Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira says he knows he must step up against Champions League opponents APOEL.

Khedira will be leading the midfield in Xabi Alonso's absence.

"Xabi Alonso is very important to us. He won't play tomorrow and that's a new situation for us that we'd like to resolve. That's why we'll do our best to win at this stadium. Xabi is an excellent player, but we have other excellent midfielders, such as Sahin, Granero and Ozil," he said.

"We know APOEL have a good team and we respect them. They did well in the group stage and are a strong side. They play from the heart, which makes them a complicated opponent. The clash will be important and I think we'll do well because we have a very strong team."