Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says his side is brimming with confidence heading into their Champions League semi-final against Juventus. However, the Italian boss is well aware of the threat posed by the defending Serie A champions.
Ancelotti navigated a difficult quarter-final tie against city rivals, Atletico Madrid, despite injuries to key players just days prior to the decisive return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week.
Madrid will still be without the services of midfielder Luka Modric for the Champions League semi-final against Juventus, since the Croatian was ruled out for as many as six weeks with a knee injury. But the team could see the returns of Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale to the lineup at some point during the crucial tie.
Speaking after the Champions League semi-final draw, Ancelotti praised the qualities of his semi-final opponent while stressing his side motivated and ready to defend their European crown.
“At this point in the competition every team left is a tough draw,” the manager said.
“Juventus have an impressive history and are back after twelve years without reaching the semi-final. They’re having a great season and they’ve all but won the Serie A title. That allows them to focus more on this European competition.”
Juventus currently hold a 15-point advantage in Italy, while Real Madrid trails Barcelona by two-points for the top spot in Spain.
Madrid’s Champions League tie against Juventus will be sandwiched by season-defining league matches against Sevilla and Valencia in the coming weeks.
Despite the difficulty of their upcoming fixture list, Ancelotti is confident his team is ready for the challenges which lay ahead.
“We’re confident of continuing our dream of reaching another final following last year’s success,” Ancelotti added. “But we need Real Madrid at their best, like they were against Atletico – hungry and excited.
“We’re brimming with confidence.”
