Going into tonight’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is expecting a tough match, but he is banking on home advantage to get the better of their local rivals.
Real Madrid were held to a stalemate in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Vicente Calderon and the second leg is due to be played at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight.
Ancelotti’s men have been winless in their seven encounters against Atletico Madrid this season and the Italian is expecting another tough outing against the reigning Spanish champions, but hopes that the fervent support at the Bernabeu will see his side through.
“This match shouldn't be more difficult than the last – we are playing at home with the chance of reaching the semi-finals”, he was quoted as saying by UEFA.
“It's an important match for the club, the fans and the players; we have the opportunity to play in another final.
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“The whole squad deserves to play because they are all motivated and in good shape.”
A win tonight for Real Madrid would see them reach the semi-finals and take them a step closer to their second consecutive Champions League final. And the 55-year-old hopes that his team stick to their tactical plan in order to get the better of their rivals.
“This match is so important and we don't need any more motivation.
“We just have to implement our tactical plan on the pitch like we did in the first leg.”
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