Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos believes preparation for Champions League games is similar to the World Cup and the memory of winning the competition last season will help Los Blancos in their tie with Atletico de Madrid.
Since winning La Decima on that famous night last May, Real have met their city rivals six times and failed to beat them in any game. They lost twice in the La Liga, and drew and lost one each in the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey.
But speaking to AS, the ex-Brazil left back said Carlo Ancelotti’s men will have be confident, especially playing the second leg at home.
“Madrid play the second leg at home and that is a very important factor. They will have a very different approach at Vicente Calderon than if the first game was at home, so the tie will be decided on [Madrid’s] ground. The Champions League is different to the League. The preparation is totally different. So I think Madrid will have many opportunities to go through knowing the second leg is at home,” he said.
When pressed on how the Champions League and World Cup are similar, he added: “The concentration for playing in the League and the Cup is one thing, but the Champions League is like the World Cup. In this competition players concentrate 110% and that makes the difference.”
hala madrid win win win