Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is not dismissing Barcelona’s chances in tomorrow’s El Clasico at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu despite his side’s rivals’ recent dodgy form.
Barcelona have struggled in the UEFA Champions League this season and are on the verge of crashing out after the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in midweek left them in third place in their group.
They have however kept pace with Real Madrid in La Liga, with both level on top of the table with 22 points, unbeaten in eight matches.
Xavi’s side have conceded just one goal in eight La Liga matches and are ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference.
“We’re looking at a team that’s won all their games in La Liga after drawing their first one, they have very good form in the league,” Ancelotti said during his pre-match press conference today.
“Since the start of the competition they have done every well. They’ve had trouble in the Champions League, which usually happens in that competition, but in La Liga they have been spectacular.”
The Italian recalled last season’s 4-0 defeat by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu and is keen to avoid a repeat.
“It’s true that last year I tried to invent something and I paid the price for it,” Ancelotti said, referring to his use of Luka Modric as a false nine in the absence of Karim Benzema.
“The game last year will not affect us, because this is another season, another Clasico. We’re looking forward to playing this game, which the whole world will watch.”
Ancelotti confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is back in training after suffering sciatica but will not feature tomorrow, while Antonio Rudiger is available, although he will wear a protective mask.
The German centre-back suffered a nasty facial injury against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek, where he scored a last minute goal but clashed heads with the opposition goalkeeper.
