Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is wary of the threat English side Chelsea carries as the two sides prepare to meet on Tuesday night in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie at Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid lead the tie 3-1 from last week’s first match at Stamford Bridge, with many, including Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, saying the Blues’ hopes of making the semis are over.
Speaking during Monday’s pre-match conference, Ancelotti insisted Chelsea will try all they can to win the match and advance.
“Everyone is well aware that it’s going to be a difficult game. The fans know and so do we. It’s the Champions League quarter-finals and regardless of what happened in the first leg, we’re well aware that in order to reach the semi-finals we’ll have to suffer, to fight, to compete and be in the game for 90 minutes”.
Ancelotti also responded to Tuchel’s words that the tie was all but over for the defending champions.
“Everyone has their own view and I think they’re coming here with the intention of qualifying for the next round. They’re very aware that it’ll be difficult, but they’re going to give it a go. That’s what the spirit of football is about and big, strong teams never give up”.
The Spanish outfit will almost be full-house, with only Eder Militao, who picked his fifth yellow card in the reverse fixture the notable absentee through suspension.
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard is still recovering from a recent injury and will sit out the match once again.
