Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists they’ll be at their best at Barcelona on Sunday.
Real need victory to keep LaLiga leaders Barca within touching distance with the Catalans nine points clear.
Ancelotti said, “We have to enjoy the moment and be on the front foot in a hugely important game. We can win it if we’re able to show the best of ourselves in every sense; individually, collectively, in attack and defence. We’re not thinking about the league being over, we’re focused on winning tomorrow’s game. That’s the only thing in our minds, we want to cut the deficit.
“We’ll have a plan because we know each other so well, there are no secrets. You just think about how to cause them problems and hurt them with how we go about the game. That will be in our minds until kick-off. We’ll look to attack but without taking too many risks.
“They are solid at the back and don’t concede many goals. That’s how they’ve managed to win games despite being up against it more than they’re used to. It’s very difficult to know how the game will go because each one is different. In the Copa they were defensive because they had the lead. Depending on what happens in the match, they will change their approach.
“We have to look at Barcelona like a lion tomorrow, not a cat. If you go into it thinking they’re a little cat, you’ll take it too lightly and it’s a huge game in which we have to fight to the end and show real commitment. I wouldn’t say I’m scared or worried about it but you always get nervous in the hours before the biggest games, at least I do.
“Since the 2nd of January up until now the team has been fantastic. The technical and fitness data confirm we’re in really good shape. We’re excited and motivated for what’s to come in the next few months. We’re stronger at the back now and effective going forward. The team looks good and is perfectly capable of continuing the run until the end of the season.”
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