Mourinho believes his Madrid will end Spurs' European run

Jose Mourinho says Tottenham should be proud of their achievements in Europe so far (GETTY IMAGES)

Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on the European exploits of Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final opponents, but said he expects his team to bring their run to an end.

"It is fantastic for Tottenham. They have reason to be proud already," Mourinho said. "But I believe we are the better team and I believe we are going to do it."

The Portuguese also admitted he was glad to have avoided his former clubs Chelsea and Internazionale in the draw for the quarter-finals. I didn't want Chelsea or Inter because last season it was difficult for me to play against Chelsea [as manager of Inter]," he said during an interview with BBC 5 Live. "I did everything I could to help my team but I was not comfortable because I do not like to play against my friends.

"Tottenham are a good team, they beat Inter (3-1 last November), they beat Milan (1-0 on aggregate). They have ambitions, are a very good team, have very good players and a good manager in Harry [Redknapp]. You can feel it is a happy team and happy team are dangerous teams."

Spurs, who are making their tournament debut, meet the Spanish giants over two legs, at the Bernabeu on 5 April and at White Hart Lane on 13 April.