Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will start tomorrow's Copa del Rey clash against Atletico, despite a complicated last few days for the Portuguese.
Ronaldo was sent off against Athletic Bilbao in the league last weekend, and faces a potential three-match ban.
mobile ad
Los Blancos will take on Atletico Madrid at home in the first-leg of the semi-final, and Ancelotti has promised a fair few changes to the side that lost 1-0 in their league affair back in September.
And for Ancelotti, Ronaldo remains in a fit state of mind despite the sending-off, which came for confrontational behaviour.
relatedNewsStory
Ancelotti, who will also have Gareth Bale available, told a press conference: "Cristiano will start tomorrow.
"Cristiano gets provoked a lot and receives many tackles in every game. His red card was a harsh decision."
Bale missed the club's last two games due to injury – including the quarter-final second second-leg win over Espanyol – but is poised for a return.
"Bale is available to play", Ancelotti explained. "He trained well. We will play differently to the way we did last time we faced Atletico.
"Tomorrow, a different Real Madrid will play to the team that played Atletico in the league."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
