Real Madrid will not defend the title of champion of Spain this season, but as the Champions League enters the final stage, the Royal Club increases their working temperature and shows that its goal is a new title of champion of Europe. After routinely defeating Chelsea in the first leg of the two-leg quarterfinal at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid are already on the verge of the semi-finals of the elite competition. But the Blancos’ strategist Carlo Ancelotti is cautious ahead of the rematch.”Nothing is certain, not even Real’s or City’s place in the semi-finals. We have an advantage, but this is the Champions League and we have to play another 90 minutes,” said the Italian at the conference before the league game against Cadiz, which was not so much the focus of the press. It was more about the current momentum in the Champions League.Real could have almost an identical path as last season, where they met both Chelsea and Manchester City in the elimination phase. Given Real’s potential next opponent in the competition, the Spanish journalists surprised Ancelotti a little with a question – would he trade Vinicius for Haaland?”What a question. Everyone is special in their own way. They are fantastic footballers and both use their strengths. I use the qualities of Vinicius and Guardiola of Haaland.”Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos will miss Real Madrid’s trip to Cadiz with muscle strains #HalaMadrid #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/FEDq5lC2BS— Football España (@footballespana_) April 14, 2023 The often pretentious English public considers City the favorite to win the Champions League.”It doesn’t affect me. English football is very competitive and at a very high level. It doesn’t surprise me that Manchester City are favorites. The truth, but the reality is a little different, at least in Europe. Last year, a Spanish team eliminated two English teams. The English think that they have the strongest league, but there are other leagues in Europe like Spain and Italy that are still competitive even though they have less money.”Midweek, Ancelotti became the manager with the most wins in the Champions League in Real Madrid’s history with 35 wins in 47 games. But there are still critics of the Italian expert.”I listen to criticism, it’s a normal thing. We live in a world where you have to listen to people, your club, your players. There’s understandable criticism and you cannot escape it. It helps you improve. The final evaluation will be at the end of the season. The season has the potential to be a successful one but it also turn the other way.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##Ancelotti also spoke about Eduardo Camavinga, a talented young Frenchman who came to the Bernabeu from Rennais in the summer of 2021 as a midfielder, and has been covering the left back position for the most of the current season.”Playing on the wing helps him gain tactical knowledge. You can put him wherever you want and it won’t change much. In the future, he will be a great defensive midfielder, a great midfielder overall. When he plays on the wing he can learn a lot about the defensive, and that experience will be valuable to him in the future,” Carletto said and continued about his sweepers: “The performances of the central defenders improved after the World Cup. Militao and Rudiger are doing a good job and Alaba is back at the highest level. Getting our defenders back at their best gave us a lot of confidence. We played a lot of games with a higher block than usual. In such conditions, central defenders have to work harder.”UCL: Benzema and Asensio enough for 10 men ChelseaHis Spanish colleagues were interested in what he is most proud of in his work at Real Madrid.”Tough question. It’s been a successful run so far. I hope I can continue. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, although what makes me most proud is coming here every day.”During the season, the topic of Ancelotti’s stay in Madrid was raised many times. It was also written that the condition to keep the place of the helmsman is winning at least one trophy, even if it was in Copa del Rey. Real are currently in for the domestic cup and the Champions League, and Ancelotti has no doubt that he will also lead the Royal Club in the 2023/24 season.”I think so. The president has always been very kind to me and still is. We have to look ahead. I will be here next season without a doubt, because I will respect the contract,” concluded one of the greatest coaches of all time.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 29Friday22.00: (2.30) Rayo Vallecano (3.20) Osasuna (3.70)Saturday15.00: (1.53) Villareal (4.30) Valladolid (6.50)17.15: (2.45) Ath.Bilbao (3.20) Sociedad (3.40)19.30: (1.94) Betis (3.45) Espanyol (4.20)22.00: (5.80) Cadiz (3.90) Real Madrid (1.63)Sunday15.00: (1.57) Girona (4.10) Elche (6.50)17.15: (6.25) Getafe (3.60) Barcelona (1.66)19.30: (1.31) Atl.Madrid (5.70) Almeria (10.5)22.00: (2.35) Valencia (3.35) Sevilla (3.40)Monday22.00: (1.89) Celta (3.50) Mallorca (5.10)***odds are subject to change
