Real Madrid ready for Manchester City

news banner image

In the run-up to the UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed new developments in their injury situation. At the same time, they prepare for the Manchester City clash.

6 months ago
Fans with Champions League final tickets remember Manchester City's heroics in the semifinals against Europe's most successful team. In last year's semifinal, City won the away fixture 1-0 against Madrid and massacred the Spaniards 4-0.
Now, the question is if Madrid could seek revenge in this year's quarterfinal.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed a comeback from injury for one of his first-team stars. He discussed the line-up for an upcoming Champions League quarterfinals tie against Manchester City ahead of hosting Athletic Club at the Bernabeu this weekend.
Eder Militao ruptured his ACL in the first instalment of the fixture versus the Basques on Matchday 1, and Ancelotti revealed that the Brazilian would finally return to the fold more than seven months later amid giving an update on the overall state of his squad at a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
"The team is fine," he added, adding that the international players have recovered well.
"The international players have recovered well. We had a small problem with [Eduardo] Camavinga, but today he trained normally,"
"[It's] an important game that we go into with all the confidence in the world. Militao is back, which is the most important news. He's not 100% because he still needs to play football, but he's fine with the injury.
However, due to injury, Real Madrid is missing its first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the replacement goalkeeper, has done exceptionally well this season.
The revelation about Militao naturally led to questions about whether he will start an April 9 last-eight meeting against an outfit Ancelotti described as "one of the best teams in Europe" in City.
"We have to take it game by game."
"The knee is fine. He needs football, [and] getting used to playing on the big pitch again and with his teammates. He's recovered very well."
Then, addressing the first leg more specifically, Ancelotti remarked that Militao's inclusion from the get-go is a case of "maybe not, maybe yes".
"I'm not saying it's 50%. It could be 70% no, and 30% yes.
But Militao is very important. He helps us with many things, so it's partially out of the question.
It will be important for Real to avoid making the mistakes from last season. Jude Bellingham might be Ancelotti's biggest weapon, but he understands he will need a lot more than that to come through against City.
On their official website, Bayern Munich stated that Arsenal informed the German club that their fans would not be allowed access to the stadium for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal at the Emirates Stadium.
"Arsenal FC have expressly informed FC Bayern that all Munich club supporters will be turned away at the stadium entrances for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal in London on April 9. FC Bayern, therefore, advises its fans not to organize tickets for this match," the statement said.
The situation is owing to the judgement issued by UEFA after Bayern supporters were found violating the European governing body regulations by setting off fireworks.
Bayern have informed that they will receive limited tickets for their delegation to attend the match. These tickets will be contractually bound.
The club hopes this will be the only punishment they receive for this incident, and if Harry Kane can take the side to the final, their fans can purchase Champions League final tickets.
Currently, Bayern Munich will no longer be in contention for the Bundesliga, and the Champions League is their only hope.
For manager Thomas Tuchel, getting Bayern's Champions League final tickets will be the utmost priority.
Ahead of the all-important Champions League quarterfinal, Bayern star Jamal Musiala has singled out five Arsenal players he thinks will be their side's biggest stars.
The Germany international is wary of Arsenal's threat and picked out Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz while insisting the Premier League North London club has 'top quality' players in every position.
Arsenal and Bayern Munich booked their places in the Champions League quarterfinal after beating Porto and Lazio, respectively.
"Martin Odegaard is a brilliant midfield playmaker, but there's a lot of quality throughout the team," Musiala told Sport Bild.
"Saka, Martinelli, Rice, Havertz and many more. They have top quality in every position. We have to be ready for that."
Enrique Excited to Face FC Barcelona
Luis Enrique is gearing up for a special match against Barça in the Champions League quarterfinals.
The Champions League winner with FC Barcelona will be up against his former club, now managing PSG, and will face off in the quarterfinals.
He had good words for the Barça squad, especially highlighting Lamine Yamal, but didn't want to praise him too much as he will be playing against PSG.
During a press conference before 'Le Classique' against Olympique de Marseille, Luis Enrique was asked about Barcelona's warm reception at the Bernabéu. He appreciated the gesture of Real Madrid fans applauding a Barcelona player while he was with the Spanish team, calling it a nice and hopeful detail.
Looking ahead to the intense match against Marseille, he emphasized the importance of controlling emotions due to the rivalry between clubs and fans. He expressed his excitement for such matches and motivation to field a strong team after the international break.
When asked about the possibility of substituting Kylian Mbappe in the upcoming game, Luis Enrique remained ambiguous, stating that anything is possible in football.
He acknowledged the significance of the Clásico for fans and the club, emphasizing his responsibility as a team leader to make decisions that are best for the team's success. Despite potential disagreements, he assured PSG that he would head to Marseille with a competitive spirit.
Despite making it to the finals, PSG has yet to win the Champions League title. This year, PSG fans will anxiously wait to purchase their Champions League final tickets based on the outcome of the Barcelona fixtures.

Comments