Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash and secure a spot in the final.
Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg, where Vinicius Junior netted a brace for the record 14-time winners, Ancelotti conveyed his trust in Real Madrid’s squad and their supporters.
“I am confident because this is Real Madrid, we have this squad, I’m confident in the fans who will help us,” Ancelotti stated at a news conference on Tuesday.
Acknowledging Bayern Munich’s strength, Ancelotti admitted that the German giants outperformed Real Madrid in the first leg.
“These are similar clubs, they have a great history and a lot of success in the Champions League,” he remarked. “We respect them… they did better than us in the first leg.”
Despite the return of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury, Ancelotti confirmed that Andriy Lunin would start in goal for the crucial match.
“The plan for a player coming back from injury does not change because of one game,” Ancelotti explained. “Courtois is doing well but he needs time to get back to his best self — he had an ideal game.”
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal emphasized the team’s focus on the Champions League, indicating that they refrained from celebrating their La Liga crown to prioritize the upcoming match.
“We’re having a great year, we’re very excited for the Champions League, we’re two games away from lifting it again,” Carvajal said.
Regarding the potential departure of several long-standing Madrid players at the end of the season, Carvajal acknowledged the uncertainty but expressed hope that they would not bid farewell after their final Champions League match at the Bernabeu.