Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in the press room at Real Madrid City ahead of Matchday 35’s El Clásico (Sunday 16.15pm):
“It’s always a special match due to the rivalry and the fans’ desire to beat Barcelona. It’s also the last Clásico of the season, as Barcelona won’t be playing in the Club World Cup. The team is doing well, has trained well, and is focused on what we need to do. We’re motivated and excited. It’s an important match with a lot at stake, and we’re confident we can get the result. It’ll be very tough, like all games against Barcelona, but our last meeting gives us confidence to try to win tomorrow.”
“In matches like this, you have to do things right and defend well because Barcelona will push you into your own half. But when you have the ball, you have to exploit their weaknesses — no team is perfect. They’ve had a great season, but there’s a lot on the line. We need to manage the small details, control the timing, defend and attack well… all the little things that matter in every Clásico.”
Will set pieces be key?
“We’ve done well with set pieces over the last two years. We have two excellent takers in Modrić and Arda, and strong headers like Tchouaméni, though we’ll miss Rüdiger, who’s scored many set-piece goals. Other factors are important too: how to hurt their high line in transitions, staying alert to offsides… We’ve worked on it and spoken with the players. If they listen, it’ll go well.”
Winning La Liga
“Winning La Liga is very difficult — maybe not as tough as the Champions League, but it requires consistency. That’s what tomorrow’s game is all about. Both teams have a lot on the line. If they win, they’ll have the edge, but if we win, the title race is wide open for the last three matches.”
Will Barcelona be affected by their Champions League exit?
“That’s football. A setback brings a chance to react and bounce back. Of course it affects them, but football always offers immediate redemption. I watched the game, and it was fantastic — close and competitive between two teams with different styles. Credit to Inter, but Barcelona were very close to the final. If they had won, no one could complain. Congrats to PSG and Inter — it will be a great final with no clear favorite.”
Rodrygo’s condition
“He’s trained well all week and is recovering from last week’s fever. We don’t have many options for the starting eleven due to absences, so he’s an important option for us, like Arda.”
Defensive replacements?
“Jacobo and Vallejo will be on the bench and available. They could step in at center-back if needed.”
Rumors about his future
“Preparing these matches isn’t hard — you don’t need to motivate the players. You just have to give them the clearest possible ideas of how to play. Everything happening around us hasn’t affected the team at all this week. We’re in good spirits and full of confidence. No problems whatsoever.”
Is the honeymoon with Madrid over?
“The honeymoon never ends with this club. It will last forever. Real Madrid and Milan are the clubs I hold closest to my heart, both for the time I’ve spent and how I feel here. Like relationships — passion is strong at first, then grows into deep affection and more. My honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life.”
The three matches he’ll never forget out of 349
“I’ll never forget Lisbon, Paris, and London. We’ve done well in most matches, though some are better left forgotten.”
Is he the manager who best represents Real Madrid’s DNA?
“I don’t know. Real Madrid is a special club that deserves a special attitude from everyone who works here. That’s what I’ve always tried to do every day.”
Xabi Alonso
“I read that he’s leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He’s done a fantastic job and has every door open to him now. He’s shown he’s one of the best managers in the world.”
Squad list match Barcelona vs Real Madrid:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin y Sergio Mestre.
Defenders: Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Asencio, Youssef y Jacobo.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Arda Güler y Ceballos.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim y Víctor Muñoz.
