Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says his side may have to task risks, but he is confident they can complete yet another fightback to reach the Champions League final.
The newly-crowned LaLiga champions head into the second leg of their semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday trailing 4-3 on aggregate after a remarkable first encounter at the Etihad Stadium last week. Real trailed by two goals to a dominant City three times but repeatedly fought back in an absorbing encounter.
They followed up by clinching their domestic title at the weekend. And, after staging recoveries in the previous two rounds, are in bullish mood as they return to the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti said: “We have scored three goals against Paris St Germain, five against Chelsea and three against Manchester City.
“Sometimes you have to take a little risk but we have the quality to do it.
“They have the advantage and we have to improve. It is difficult but we have an incredible opportunity to play another final after having won LaLiga.
“The mood is very good and we can do it.”
Real are without key defender David Alaba through injury but the influential Casemiro is fit to feature in midfield.
Casemiro’s availability, having only been fit enough for the bench last week, gives Ancelotti a selection poser over whether or not to retain the in-form Rodrygo, who has scored four goals in his last five games.
Rodrygo took Casemiro’s place last week but moved into an advanced position alongside Vinicius Junior and the prolific Karim Benzema – the two goalscorers – with Federico Valverde dropping into midfield.
With the experienced pair of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the centre, Real will not lack the quality needed to prevail against a formidable City side.
Modric wants Madrid crowd onside
Modric, the former world player of the year, feels it is now a case of turning it on.
The veteran Croatia international, speaking alongside Ancelotti at the pre-match press conference, said: “We…