Champions League easier to win than La Liga – Carlo Ancelotti

Sport360 staff 17:38 25/04/2015
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  • Facing challenges head on: Carlo Ancelotti.

    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side have a better chance of retaining the Champions League trophy than denying Barcelona the La Liga title.

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    Los Blancos squeezed past Atletico Madrid to reach the last four in midweek and were rewarded with on paper the easiest draw as they face Italian champions Juventus in the semi-finals and have the second-leg at home.

    However, they also remain in the hunt for La Liga, just two points behind Barcelona with six games to go.

    "It is more difficult to win La Liga because we have a disadvantage. Barcelona have the lead, although it is just two points. In the Champions League we are all equal," said the Italian, who coached Juventus between 1999 and 2001.

    Injuries could have a big role to play in how successful Madrid are in the final month of the season and Ancelotti is confident both Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will be fit to face Juventus in Turin on May 5.

    However, Luka Modric would only be available if Ancelotti's men make it back to the final in Berlin in early June.

    "Modric would be available only at the end of the season. Benzema could be ready for the first-leg and Bale for the game against Sevilla next weekend."

    Madrid also have a tough run in to the La Liga season staring with a trip to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

    And Ancelotti accepted they can have no hangover from their efforts against Atletico if they are to maintain any chance at the title.

    "The team is in good shape, to win and get to the semi-finals was very important," said Ancelotti.

    "Now we need to recover physically to play with a lot of desire in La Liga.

    "Tomorrow is a difficult game, Celta are playing very well, with a lot of dynamism and it will be a tough game to win."

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