Ancelotti Talks Champions League Clash: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Ancelotti Talks Champions League Clash: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Ancelotti made it clear that while Real Madrid will aim for victory
The two teams have faced off twice in La Liga this season, with both encounters ending in 1-1 draws
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s head coach, has spoken ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid on March 4th.
The first leg of the round-of-16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Ancelotti, however, expressed his doubts about the possibility of a significant advantage for either side going into the return leg.
Ancelotti: No Big Advantage Expected in First Leg
Carlo Ancelotti remained realistic about the challenge facing his team.
Speaking before the match, he said,
“I don’t think we can win tomorrow with a big advantage for the return leg. It’s impossible.”
His statement highlights his understanding of Atletico Madrid’s strong defensive capabilities.
The two Madrid rivals have already faced off twice in La Liga this season, with both games ending in 1-1 draws.
This experience only reinforces Ancelotti’s belief that both teams are closely matched and the tie will likely be decided in the second leg.
“Atletico has a very solid defence. We know it will be a tight match, and it will probably come down to the return leg. We can’t think about having a large advantage tomorrow,” Ancelotti explained.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 3, 2025
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Key Players Missing for Real Madrid
Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham for the first leg.
As the young midfielder is serving a suspension due to a yellow card in the second leg of their play-off against Manchester City.
Bellingham is expected to return for the return leg at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano on March 12.
Additionally, Ancelotti faces the risk of losing several more key players for the second leg if they are booked in the first match.
Antonio Rudiger, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Endrick all face suspension if they receive a yellow card during the first leg.
With this in mind, Ancelotti will need to carefully manage his squad to avoid further disruptions.
Defensive Concerns and Squad Adjustments
Recent injuries have forced Ancelotti to make tactical changes, with Dani Ceballos sidelined for two months.
Furthermore, Fede Valverde has been playing as a makeshift right-back.
Losing another midfielder to suspension would place extra pressure on Ancelotti’s already stretched squad.
Especially with the defensive solidity of Atletico Madrid to consider.
Looking Ahead: A Tense and Competitive Clash
Despite these challenges, Ancelotti remains focused on the task ahead.
The match is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams evenly matched.
Fans can expect a high-stakes battle, with the return leg in Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano likely to decide which team advances to the next round.
