Champions League: Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo is fit for final
By Mike Dyce
Real Madrid is set to square off against La Liga, and city, rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final in Lisbon on Saturday. They could’ve been without forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, but both seem to be fit and ready to go.
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Real manager specifically said Cristiano Ronaldo was fine, and that the two players they’re concerned about are Pepe and Karim Benzema.
“Cristiano is fine and has no problem,” said Ancelotti, via Sky Sports.
“We have to check situation with Pepe and Karim because they have not trained this week and after training we have to take the decision for Saturday.”
Before Ancelotti’s statement, Ronaldo had said that he felt good and that he’d be fit for the final. Ronaldo also went on to say that no one wants to miss a final.
“I feel very good,” Ronaldo said, via ESPN FC. “I think I will be at 100 percent [for final]. Nobody wants to miss a final, a final you have been waiting for, a final we have been looking for two years. It is important. If the body does not let you it is not the end of the world. But I will be there. I am very confident and happy too.”
Meanwhile Ancelotti has remained calm about the big game. Aside from it being a final, a chance to bring Real Madrid’s 10th Champions League trophy could be added pressure. Personally, Ancelotti also has the chance to become the first man to win the competition three times as a coach in the Champions League era.
“I am calm. In these games you don’t have to work so hard in the preparation because the players are already so motivated. You just have to keep them calm and give them very clear instructions for the game.
“I would love to see a repeat of the game against Bayern. If we play like that again we will have a great chance of winning.”