Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said midfielder Luka Modric will be available to “play tomorrow and on Wednesday” in its Champions League return at Atletico Madrid and the team have had ample recovery time following Tuesday’s 2-1 first-leg victory over Atleti.
Madrid is not in an ideal position in LaLiga and will have to fight to reclaim top spot, the manager said ahead of Sunday’s home game with neighbours Rayo Vallecano.
Real has won only once in its last five LaLiga matches and is third in the standings with 54 points, three points behind leaders Barcelona.
“It is not the ideal situation because that would be to be the leader of La Liga, but we are ready to fight.”
Despite Real’s unbeaten run in the Copa del Rey and a six-match winning streak in the Champions League, the reigning La Liga champion’ form is a concern for Ancelotti.
“We are ready to fight for every game and in every competition. I am much calmer for tomorrow’s game because we have had five days of rest,” he told reporters on Saturday. although he still expects a tough challenge.
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“It will be harder on a physical and mental level, but you have to take that into account. We are very close to a Copa del Rey final, to the top of the table and to the Champions League quarter-final.
Real slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis last weekend and Ancelotti gave a scathing assessment of the loss but praised his players for their efforts as well.
“I was disappointed with the game against Betis because I didn’t expect this drop in form but it was an isolated one,” Ancelotti said.
“Players don’t choose their games but sometimes they are very tired and you can’t be at 100 percent in every game. It was a good dynamic but we reacted well. Hopefully, we can get back to the good form we had before Betis.”
While Real will be fresh as it bids to close the gap at the top of La Liga, Rayo, which is seventh with 36 points, will be determined to snap a three-match winless run in the league.
“They are doing very well; they are a brave and well-organised team. They are going to demand a lot from us and we have to be ready. The match is vital,” Ancelotti added.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com