Schalke can knock Champions League holders Real Madrid out of the competition, according to Sidney Sam.
Real claimed European glory last season, and on their way to lifting the trophy they inflicted a 9-2 aggregate defeat on Schalke.
The two teams meet again in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday night at the Veltins-Arena, and Sam is optimistic an upset could be on the cards.
The forward told Schalke's official website: "They have a world class squad full of big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and many more.
"If we defend in a compact manner, we will make life difficult for any team in the world. We have good players too. I'm certain that we're going to have chances.
"This game is certainly a highlight and is probably one of the biggest in my career to date.
"Regardless of the opposition I want to play football. Game time is all that matters to me. I'm the sort of person that wants to swap shirts in order to remember the stars that I've played against."
Sam is not expecting a repeat of the 6-1 hammering Schalke suffered at home against Real last year, adding: "It's a new season, a new situation. I think we are more stable as a team this year."
Meanwhile, a groin injury to goalkeeper Fabian Giefer means 19-year-old Timon Wellenreuther is set to play against Los Blancos.
