Real Madrid don’t view themselves as favourites within the Champions League, even with their spectacular monitor report within the event, in accordance with supervisor Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti made this assertion on Tuesday, stating that the defending champions, Manchester City, are favourites this season.
Despite securing their 14th European Cup victory in 2022, Real Madrid’s latest semi-final loss to City has tampered their confidence. Their Group C journey begins with a house match in opposition to Union Berlin on Wednesday, with extra challenges within the type of Serie A champions Napoli and Portuguese crew Braga looming within the group stage.
“City are favourites because they have a squad that saw them win it last season and they haven’t changed much. However in the Champions League, like always, there are surprises at the end,” Ancelotti advised reporters forward of going through Union on the Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid are a team that are going to fight until the end. We never think of ourselves as favourites, just as I think City don’t. They won it last year, they can win the Champions League.”
Ancelotti identified that Real Madrid wouldn’t take Champions League debutants Union Berlin frivolously.
“They’re a new team in the Champions League but the fact they’re here means they’ve done very well. They’re well organised defensively, they’re solid and they play with intensity…,” he stated.
“The Champions League is a special competition for us. We’re going to treat tomorrow’s game as something special. We want to get off to a good start in the group stage and we’re playing at home.
Ancelotti also said Dani Carvajal would be rested for Wednesday’s game, but said the right-back would likely be available for the Atletico Madrid match on Sunday.
“Carvajal has a pressure and we wished to relaxation him to keep away from issues,” Ancelotti said. “He feels good and we do not assume it is something severe, so hopefully he’ll be again quickly.
“As things stand today, he has a chance of playing on Sunday. The player’s general condition is pretty good. Lucas Vazquez will play in place of Carvajal (against Union).”
Published On:
Sep 19, 2023
