Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says every derby game is different and there are no favourites ahead of his side’s clash with Atletico de Madrid in the Champions League.
Diego Simeone’s men have the upper hand on Real this season having beaten them four times and drawn twice in the six matches they have played this season. But Real fans will remember fondly the last time these two met in the Champions League – the 4-1 win in Lisbon last season securing the club’s 10th European crown.
At his press conference ahead of the game at the Vicente Calderon, the Italian boss said every game against Atletico is different and it’s always impossible to predict a winner.
“Every match is a different challenge. One time we lost because of set pieces, the last time we lost because of an attitude problem. it’s hard to say what has happened the last few times, but this will be a different tie, we don’t need to win tomorrow and the most important thing for us is to qualify to the next round,” he commented.
He told reporters that while his focus is on defeated Atletico, his ultimate goal is to win the Undecima. “Our goal is to reach the semifinals, but our dream is to win La Undécima. We will try to win, but we can go through with two draws, so we are not obsessed with winning tomorrow,” he said.
And he denied that his side had a mental issue when it comes to playing against Los Colchoneros.
“This is a very level tie, so it is all even in terms of the odds, but this doesn’t change our mentality and attitude which is playing the game the way that allows our players to optimize their skills. Courage and personality will be very important for us. It’s an honour to play against Simeone but also a problem. Their style and defensive skills will be very difficult for us but they are not a black beast for us.”
