Ibrahim Oladamola
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Manchester City’s world-class quality alone will not be sufficient to seal progress to the Champions League final.
Asked whether City’s status as one of the best teams in the world, or Real’s heritage in the competition, would be more important, the Italian said: “It’s difficult to say, the match is unpredictable.
“Real Madrid and Manchester City, at this moment, are the best teams in Europe. For sure it will be an exciting game, as it was in the first leg.
“Also, if you are thinking you are the best team in the world it doesn’t give you 100 per cent certainty you are going to move [to the final] because, as I said, these games aren’t only a down to a matter of quality.
“When you reach a semi-final, it’s whether you are able to show personality, character and mentality on the pitch, not only quality.”
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City may have the home advantage but, as 14-time European champions and the current holders, Real certainly have experience of delivering in such encounters.
Ancelotti, who has won the competition twice as Real boss and twice with AC Milan, said: “It’s special for Real Madrid because of the history we have in the tournament.
“In the 1950s it became important for the fans and players. It’s everything you work for. It’s something special to try to win European trophies, especially the European Cup.
“It’s been important for them throughout their history. It is a club that has a special power to stay alive.”
Ancelotti has a full squad available with Eduardo Camavinga having overcome a knock and centre-back Eder Militao available after suspension.
