Madrid, Spain
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, stressed the importance of a robust defensive display and a respectful approach when facing the attack-minded Champions League opponents, Braga, on the eve of their Group C fixture.
Real Madrid currently tops the group with two wins in two games. In their previous outing, they secured a 3-2 victory over Napoli, although they conceded two goals and relied on a late own goal by Alex Meret to clinch the win.
Braga, who currently sit in third place in the group with three points, also showcased their attacking prowess in their last Champions League match, staging an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit to defeat Union Berlin 3-2 with a goal in added time.
Ancelotti, addressing reporters ahead of the Tuesday match at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, emphasized the significance of this fixture. He stated, “It’s an opportunity for us because after two wins, it would be good to win again. We’re playing against a team that plays well, who like to attack and be in control. For us, defending is important because from there, we can take advantage of the individual quality we have. We have to respect our opponents, who attack and score a lot of goals. It’s a great opportunity to get the group stage off to a good start.”
Ancelotti also touched upon Real Madrid’s outstanding record in the Champions League over the last decade, winning the competition five times compared to four LaLiga titles. He attributed their European success to the club’s dedication to the tournament, explaining, “For Real Madrid, this competition is very important, and this club has dedicated a lot of attention to this competition. It is the one we all like the most: club, players, and coaches. It is a special competition, and we have to look forward and not backwards.”
Real Madrid’s recent draw against Sevilla, during which they had two early disallowed goals due to contentious refereeing decisions, had left Ancelotti visibly frustrated. While Ancelotti acknowledged that the referee had been correct in his decisions during the press conference, he also expressed the need to avoid suspension, as he had received a yellow card for complaining during the Sevilla match.
Regarding the upcoming Champions League fixture and the topic of refereeing, Ancelotti shared, “Sometimes we have been wronged, but you know that I don’t have freedom of expression when talking about referees. If I say what I think, they suspend me, and I want to work and make the most of the matches, which give me emotions.”
As Real Madrid gears up for their encounter with Braga, the focus remains on maintaining a strong defensive stance and respecting their formidable opponents in their quest for Champions League glory.
