Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists his team can overcome the continued absence of injured top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo when they take on enemies Barcelona in tonight's Copa del Rey final.
Ancelotti, who also has doubts over Marcelo and Sergio Ramos, admitted defeat in his bid to include the portuguese in his squad, with ronaldo’s hamstring injury not healing in time, but believes they still possess enough quality to triumph.
"I found out on Tuesday morning that he won’t be able to play,” said Ancelotti. “But I’m confident in the side, who always react well to injuries.
“We’re losing a player of incredible quality, but his injury has motivated us and will make us run more and play more together.”
The game will offer Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas a chance to return to the big stage after being forced to spend the majority of the season on the sidelines.
Casillas has been left out of Ancelotti’s league XI in favour of Diego lopez, but he remains the first-choice cup goalkeeper and is eager to take the opportunity to add more silverware to his already dazzling collection.
The Madrid captain played a starring role in the last Copa del Rey final between the teams in 2011, which was won 1-0 by Los Blancos with an extra time header from Ronaldo.
Casillas said: “I remember it as a vibrant and attractive game, and very passionate with two sides battling it out. We had a tough season but it was a great game and I would not change a thing.”
Madrid's keeper is unmoved by Barca’s recent struggles, adding: “I’m thinking about my own men, which is the most important thing. There is no need for us to worry about our rivals.”
