Although Real Madrid have already safely qualified for the knockout stages, manager Carlo Ancelotti is attempting to ensure his players do not lose their focus by imploring them to set their sights on making club history as they travel to Basel.
With 14 consecutive victories in all competitions under their belts since a La Liga loss to Atletico in September, Los Blancos are just one more win away from equalling the club’s all-time record of 15 straight wins, achieved in the 1960/61 and 2010/11 campaigns.
A triumph in Switzerland tonight would give Ancelotti’s men the chance to set a new record by winning at Malaga on Saturday, and the Italian admits it is a tantalising prospect.
“Real Madrid’s history is very important,” he said. “The main thing is playing well and if we do that, we will set the record.”
As one of only three teams in the competition to have had a maximum 12 points from their opening four group games, Madrid only need a draw to secure top spot. But Ancelotti reiterated the message that his team will not be holding anything back.
“The players are giving their maximum in every game,” he continued.
“Our motivation is to continue working, fighting and sacrificing to continue this form for as long as possible. Both teams need the points and it will be a good game, with lots of intensity.”
Although Ancelotti insists he will field as strong a side as possible, there will be some absentees with defender Pepe and German international midfielder Sami Khedira remaining in Spain so they can overcome minor knocks.
However, midfielder Asier Illarramendi has returned to the squad after overcoming a hamstring injury, and Ancelotti confirmed: “He’s ready and he will play, although I don’t know how many minutes.”
The Spanish giants’ excellent form has led for calls for Ancelotti to be awarded a new contract, with club president Florentino Perez keen to secure the Italian to a longer contract than his current deal, which is due to expire in 2016.
However, Ancelotti played down the imminence of a new deal, adopting a relaxed air as he said: “There is nothing new. We haven’t spoken about it recently, we don’t need to.
“We are playing a lot of games and we are concentrating on them. Neither the club nor me are in a hurry.”
