Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid Champions League clash with Man City feels like El Clasico against Barcelona.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says facing Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday feels like ‘El Clasico’ against Barcelona after a series of clashes with Pep Guardiola’s side that are difficult to predict.
‘It feels like a Clasico in this competition because we have played it many times before. It will be very exciting and intense,’ Ancelotti said. ‘It’s very difficult to predict what will happen because it will depend on attitude, quality, confidence and personality. This is a high-level game. You have to be at your best in every aspect.’
Asked if it would be Europe’s El Clasico, Ancelotti replied: ‘Yes, they are the toughest of all the rivals when they face the toughest coaches.’
‘The teams that qualify have a good chance แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ of going far in this competition, as has happened in recent years.’
Ancelotti then spoke about Vinicius Junior’s performance, saying: ‘It’s been excellent, considering that he had two injuries and that didn’t allow him to maintain consistency. He’s scored 17 goals, made a lot of passes and was a very good decision maker in a lot of games. ‘
‘All this despite injuries preventing him from playing consistently.’
Asked if he was nervous after missing out on the Ballon d’Or last year. Ancelotti replied: ‘No, I don’t see him nervous, but it’s okay. Although he’s not 100 per cent fit, he’s not far from being fit. In the second half of the derby, he made the difference.’
‘He’s a nightmare on the left wing and causes a lot of problems. He is got a lot of determination. He’s looking forward to playing.’