OKMK Olmaliq's Spanish striker Ruben Sanchez is ready tonight facing Al-Ittihad and their superstars in the Asian Champions League.

The Uzbeks meet Al-Ittihad in their opening group encounter, with Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante in line to feature.

Sanchez told AS: "That's right, we are prepared for this great challenge. The names speak for themselves... It won't be easy, but we will go with the hope of bringing something positive. Without a doubt, it will be the game of the year for our fans, for the club. Let's hope we live up to it.

Asked about sharing a pitch with Benzema, Sanchez admitted: "I have always identified with his way of playing.

"I was a defender of his during his first years at Real Madrid and it made me happy to see him lift the Ballon d'Or last year."