real Madrid shrugged a delay to arrive at the airport Etihad Stadium in a relaxed mood Champions League In the semi-finals, we face Manchester City.
The European champions had to wait more than half an hour in the arrivals hall at Manchester Airport on Tuesday after the team buses failed to pick them up on time.
Still, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad was transported to the stadium where they trained before Wednesday’s match, which will begin on a knife-edge after a 1-1 draw in the first game at the Bernabeu last week.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti At the pre-match press conference, he said: “I am very calm, full of hope, full of faith.
“Tomorrow – match day – that’s when the worries kick in and you wonder if (Erling) Haaland will score or if (Kevin) De Bruyne will hurt you.
“But I’m trying to get it out of my mind. It’s all about managing thoughts.
“We are very happy to be here, we feel good. It is normal for us to be in the semi-finals.
“11 years out of 13 in the semi-finals. This is not easy. We are enjoying it as much as we can.”
City may have the home advantage, but as 14-time European champions and current owners, Real definitely has the experience to excel in such matches.
Ancelotti, who won the competition twice as Real boss and twice with AC Milan, said: “It’s special for Real Madrid because of the history we have at the tournament.
“It became important to fans and gamers in the 1950s. It’s everything you work for. Trying to win European cups, especially the European Cup, is something special.
“It was important to them throughout their history. A club with a special power to survive.”
Ancelotti has a full squad, with Eduardo Camavinga taking a hit and Eder Militao returning from the penalty.
The first match was evenly matched by City’s dominance for big spells, but Real repeatedly threatened to counterattack.
These are the two best teams in Europe and I predict it will be an exciting match.
Carlo Ancelotti
“I don’t think it will be much different,” said Ancelotti.
“There may be some adjustments from both sides. There are things we can improve, but I think they think so too.
“These are the two best teams in Europe and I predict it will be an exciting match like the first game.”
senior midfielder Luke Modric enjoying the match.
The Croatian international said: “We have good feelings and are looking forward to getting on the road. I can’t wait
“These games are like finals. It’s huge. You have to enjoy every minute of it.”
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