Madrid: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is looking for a formula to improve his side’s performance as they edge past Bayern Munich on Wednesday and reach the Champions League final.
After last week’s 2-2 semi-final draw in Bavaria, the Italian admitted that despite Real’s good results, they have not been consistent at their best, with the German giants far above.
“Bayern are very dangerous, they are the best, no,” Ancelotti told reporters at the Allianz Arena.
Madrid came close to sealing the La Liga title after a 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday, but with the second leg of the Champions League on their minds, the rounds have been postponed.
Los Blancos players reportedly trained early on Sunday and the players did not join the fans at Plaza Cibeles, where they often sit together after receiving big names.
14-time Champions League champions Real Madrid, on the other hand, are looking to extend their dominance in Europe.
“We want to celebrate with all the fans, but they understand because Wednesday is a difficult task for us,” Ancelotti said.
“We are on the brink of another final and we will do everything we can to get there – so we cannot overcompensate.”
Madrid’s goal is to win La Liga and the Champions League for the fifth time.
Ancelotti has won 12 trophies in Madrid and is almost equal to club leader Miguel Munoz’s 14 between 1960 and 1972.
At Wembley, Ancelotti will have to find a way to stop Bayern wingers Leroy Sane and Jamal Musial, who have always been a headache for Madrid in the first leg.
Dani Carvajal will return from hanging on the right to try and bolster Musial, while stopping former Manchester City Man Sane may require Jude Bellingham and others to follow to help Ferland Mende.
“It is important that we start defending with a lot of commitment,” Ancelotti reminded his players of the team’s progress this season.
“A lot of effort from the front, not the guards – the injury helped me realize that it’s not about the individual, it’s about the team effort.”
Ancelotti only started Nacho against Cadiz in the same lineup he started in Munich, so his players will be slightly fresh for the final.
Madrid kept Bayern striker Harry Kane in check for the most part, but the England international scored after Vazquez brought down Musial.
The coach could also bring in Eduardo Kamavinga to add energy and disrupt Bayern’s development, preventing Madrid from falling behind like they did in Munich.
If Ancelotti’s plans fail, Madrid have the ‘magic’ to retreat back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The return to the majestic home for the 2022 Champions League final was unforgettable, and the players quickly embodied the legend and mystery of the stadium.
“It’s time for a magical night at the Bernabeu,” he said.
