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The German newspapers pay a lot of attention to tonight's Champions League clash in Gelsenkirchen. The mission to be accomplished is clear: Schalke desperately need a win and even then it remains to be seen if a win is sufficient. "1. Finale in der Todes-Gruppe"The newspapers obviously pay much attention Angela Merkel, who was sworn in as first female German chancellor, the Champions League wins of Bayern München (4-0 over Rapid Wien) and FC Barcelona (3-1 on Werder Bremen) and they present the latest news on die schönste aller Spielerfraue, (the most beautiful of all players' wives) Sylvie van der Vaart. But they also look ahead at tonight’s clash. "Schalke fans need iron nerves and a calculator" is the headline of today's issue of Bild. The newspaper needs one full page to preview the game. 1. Finale in der Todes-Gruppe (first final in the group of death). Coach Ralf Rangnick describes proceedings in group E as 'total verrückt' (too crazy for words), and all options are still open. Top AC Milan could very well crash out of the prestigious tournament, if they are fourth in their group. The sportswriter of Bild wonders how Schalke can survive. The newspaper presents the ideal picture that the hosts pull off a win and Milan and Fenerbahçe share honours.Frank RostThe comeback of Schalke 04 goalkeeper Frank Rost to the starting line up, now that he has fully recovered from his knee injury, did not go unnoticed.'Just one win will not do', is the headline in the Welt Kompakt above an article on Nervengruppe (group nerves) "All scenarios are conceivable", feels captain Ebbe Sand in the Westdeutsche Allgemeine. "Everybody would have thought that AC Milan would dominate, but PSV currently top the group. I think we stand a great chance of beating them tonight." Goalkeeper Rost considers it a challenge that Schalke will play their final group stage game on foreign soil on 6 December. He also maintains that his side will play their hearts out to reach the knock out stages, the Achtelfinale. "A 'final' in Milan, what more can you wish for?" The newspaper also publishes an article on Guus Hiddink as a top coach. "He is one of the most interesting persons in European football", says Rangnick on his colleague.
