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MADRID, SPAIN | Xinhua | Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side has a tough task ahead of them if they want to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, after they were drawn to play reigning champions Manchester City in the last eight.
The tie is a repeat of last year’s semifinal, which saw Manchester City emerge victorious with a 1-1 draw in Madrid and a 4-0 demolition in the return leg.
“They are one of the favorites, all of us know that it will be really difficult,” admitted Ancelotti, who said his side “didn’t care” that the return leg would again be at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City is arguably the toughest side Real Madrid could have faced in the last eight, but the coach was philosophical about their luck.
“It’s the quarterfinals of the Champions League, they are always difficult,” commented Ancelotti.
“Our aim is to win the competition, and you have to beat the best if you want to do that. City could be one of the best teams in Europe right now, and of course it will be tough, but if you want to be European champions, you have to beat City,” he continued.
Ancelotti also revealed that Real Madrid could have central defender Eder Militao and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois available for the tie, as they finalize their respective recoveries from cruciate knee ligament injuries.
“They are slated to work with the squad this week and they will have two friendly games against our youth teams in the international break, so I think they will make it,” explained the coach. ■
