Frank Rijkaard's side have won just one of their last five matches in the Primera Liga and white handkerchiefs were waved by the disgruntled Nou Camp faithful after Sunday's disappointing goalless draw with Getafe.

The Catalans nevertheless approach tomorrow's second-leg clash against Schalke as firm favourites after winning 1-0 with a Bojan Krkic goal in Germany last week.

Defender Gabriel Milito said: "We have achieved some very good results in the Champions League this season and I am sure we can do well.

"The crowd will be with us against Schalke because this is a competition which excites everyone and we are going to fight to win it."

Milito also rejected suggestions that Barcelona, Champions League winners in 2006, are heading for a period of transition.

"The cycle has not finished," he said.

"When I see the effort and enthusiasm of the players, not just the ones who have recently arrived, but also the ones who have been here for many years, I can see that is not the case."

Milito should be fit despite a knock against Getafe but Ronaldinho, Deco and Lionel Messi are all ruled out through injury.

Schalke insist they are also approaching the game with confidence with coach Mirko Slomka claiming they do not need "a miracle".

"Barcelona are a very good team with some very good players, but we are coming here to try and win the game," Slomka said.

"To say it will be a miracle would be an exaggeration.

"If the players give everything and play a good game individually and collectively, we definitely can win the match and go through."