Barcelona defender Gabi Milito is confident his side will advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night.Frank Rijkaard's side have won just one of their last five matches in the league and white handkerchiefs were waved by the disgruntled home faithful after Sunday's disappointing goalless draw with Getafe at the Nou Camp.

The Catalans nevertheless approach Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie with Schalke as firm favourites after winning 1-0 in Germany last week.

Milito says the Catalans have saved their best performances for Europe this season and expects his side to progress to the semi-finals with a performance that will get the fans back on their side.

"We have achieved some very good results in the Champions League this season and I am sure we can do well," he said on Monday.

"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 have reached the end of a cycle.

"The cycle has not finished. 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," he said.

Milito picked up a knock in the game against Getafe, but should be fit for the Champions League tie on Wednesday.

However, Ronaldinho, Deco and Lionel Messi are all ruled out through injury.

The Brazilian looks set to miss the rest of the season after pulling a hamstring in training last week, while Deco admits he is still unsure of when he will be able to return to action.

Messi has returned to training, though, and should be fit for a possible semi-final tie with Manchester United or Roma later this month.

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