Real Madrid v AC Milan
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is looking forward to a “very special game” when he clashes with former club AC Milan in tonight’s Dubai Football Challenge.
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The European giants meet at a sold-out 7he Sevens for the highest-profile friendly ever played on UAE soil.
World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and 100 million euro (Dh448m) man Gareth Bale will be present for Los Blancos, while Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda and exciting Italy forward Stephan El Shaarawy will be in opposition.
Ancelotti, 55, enjoyed tremendous success with the Rossoneri as both a player and head coach, winning a pair of European Cups and Serie A titles between 1987 and 1992 when dictating play as a composed midfielder, before an eight-year stint in charge which ended in 2009 having won two Champions League, two UEFA Super Cups, a Club World Cup and a Serie A title attained.
Added poignancy is provided by the presence of Filippo Inzaghi in the Milan dugout, a deadly striker in his playing days under Ancelotti.
“It is going to be very special game for me because of my long history with Milan,” Ancelotti said.
“I have a very special relationship with their manager (Inzaghi). It will be a very good show for football. It’s very nice to be an actor in this event.
“We don’t have a problem being here. Real Madrid have great image to show, and are happy to be here to show that image.
“We have lots of supporters in the Middle East. We are happy to come here, to show our quality and give happiness to our supporters.”
Real’s galaxy of stars are present in the UAE, with only injured players such as Spain defender Sergio Ramos and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric remaining in the Spanish capital to recuperate.
“All the players here will play,” Ancelotti said. “I cannot tell you the line-up before the beginning of the game, only players not available through injury have stayed in Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will play.”
Real swept into the winter break on the back of a Spanish record 22-match winning run, that last included victory at the FIFA Club World Cup. The friendly with Milan will not count towards this figure in competitive matches, but Ancelotti was motivated to keep the momentum going ahead of the resumption of La Liga duties on Sunday at Valencia.
“This week is important to prepare for the next games,” the ex-Juventus, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss said. “There
are no secrets in football.
"There is the work and professionalism of players. We have to pay attention as football is a bit strange. When everything seems good, that is the moment you fall down.
“The team is motivated because when you win a match it helps you to win the next one. We are very happy experiencing this moment.”
Players to watch
Real Madrid – Isco
Has made the most of injuries to Gareth Bale and Luka Modric to become a star performer for Real this season in a number
of attacking positions. His deft touches and supreme vision are a joy to behold. Adds calm to a side full of explosive ability. Will pick gaps in the Milan defence.
AC Milan – Stephan El Shaawary
It has not been the most productive of returns for the exciting Italy forward, with only one goal registered in 11 Serie A games. Had thrilled prior to a crippling foot injury ruining the 2013/14 campaign. Must rediscover that vibrancy to inspire Milan to show their best against Real Madrid.
Likely line-ups
Real Madrid –
AC Milan –
Team news:
Real Madrid – Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos is resting after tearing a thigh muscle. Luka Modric is still some time away from recovering from a similar problem. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira has recovered from a knee problem.
AC Milan – It is highly doubtful that striker Fernando Torres will be involved after it was announced yesterday that he is set to re-join Altletico Madrid. Elsewhere, full-backs Ignazio Abate and Mattia De Sciglio are both injured, as is centre-back Adil Rami.
