Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti does not expect the second leg to be completely different from the first leg.
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Football fans are in for a treat, as Real Madrid and Manchester City go head on with each other in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. This undoubtedly is one of the eagerly-anticipated fixtures in this competition. The first leg was a closely-fought battle with little to separate both sides. In the end, a sublime second half strike from Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Jr’s first half opener. The match was played high on quality and was an extremely close battle. The second leg at the Etihad Stadium is expected to be in a similar fashion.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti does not expect the second leg to be completely different from the first leg even though he anticipates some improvements from both sides. “I think it will not be so different – some adjustments from Manchester City and Real Madrid,” he was quoted as saying by mancity.com ahead of the contest. “I think to look back at the game there is something we can improve and also I think Manchester City. I don’t think it will be a different game. I think at this time they are the best teams in Europe and I’m sure it will be an exciting game as it was in the first leg.”
Ancelotti believes that quality might not alone be enough to get the job done in a match of this magnitude. He also thinks bravery and courage play an equally important role. “The match is unpredictable. If you think you are the best team in the world it doesn’t means you are 100% going to win. It’s not just quality when you reach the semi-finals it’s also about the personality, character and mentality that you are able to show. It’s not just quality. Bravery and courage are vital in games like this. Individual quality can’t show if you aren’t brave enough to try stuff,” he elaborated.
The Real Madrid boss is also not thinking about penalties, as he wants to win the game in regulation time. “I think it would be a mistake to focus on penalties. It might go to penalties but it’s difficult to prepare for penalties. Penalties in semi-finals and finals, it can go on the atmosphere at the time. We’re not thinking about penalties we want to go through in normal time – win before extra time and penalties,” he elaborated.
Meanwhile, senior Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric believes the tie still hangs in the balance and smallest of margins could determine the outcome of it. “First of all it’s great to be in these types of games. We feel so comfortable playing in this competition and in these kind of games. That’s why we have so many titles in this competition. We believe in our quality, we know the history of the club obliges you to give the maximum in every single game,” he said.
“These are the reasons why we are playing and feeling so good in the Champions League. We believe it’s 50-50. It will be decided on small details who gets to the final. It’s two great sides with great players and I think it will be decided in the odd action and great play. It’s about sticking together and hopefully that will be enough to take us through to another final.”
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