Carlo Ancelotti says Los Blancos will be playing the toughest team in Europe this evening as they seek to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Atletico de Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Diego Simeone’s side have proved to be a hard team to break down in recent years, and much of their success has been built on having a solid defensive unit.
Real, who won the Copa del Rey last season, will have all of their big guns available up front with Cristiano Ronaldo’s confidence boosted having won the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.
But speaking to the press ahead of the game, Ancelotti said this is his side’s biggest test of the season to date.
“Atletico are the toughest opposition out there and it’s not just me that thinks that. Everyone in Europe feels the same. We know how we need to play against them. We must show intensity while keeping cool heads and have 90 minutes to get a result, so we’ve no need to rush things,” he said.
“Facing us is the best-organised team in Europe and we need to get our passing right. It has to be intense, although I don’t mean we must go in hard. It will be evenly matched as it always is.”
He also called on the Real Madrid fans to do their part and back their team 100% of the way.
“I think the fans can help us. Firstly, because it’s a derby, as it’s very important to them as well, but also because we have to come back from a difficult scoreline. It’ll be a fantastic atmosphere to play in and we are looking forward to putting in a good performance and making it through to the quarter-finals.”
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