Real Madrid travel to Real Betis this afternoon and a win would draw Los Blancos level on points with Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid for 24 hours at least until the top two play.
A win today would also mark the 500th career win as manager for Carlo Ancelotti, in his 878th match as a boss. And AS carries an interview with the Italian, taken from the Financial Times, in which he discusses his career to date.
Having worked in England, France and Spain, as well as his native Italy, Ancelotti has had to adjust to various styles of play. And he says it is in Spain where the best style of football is played because footballers take much joy in how the play here.
He said: “In England, in general, teams are much less tactically aware, particularly in defence. The French league is a tough one physically because there are so many African players. In Spain, teams are always looking to play the most attractive style of football.”
The Spanish press are also putting the spotlight on Gareth Bale this morning. Both Marca and AS point out that the Welshman hasn’t been in the best of form of late, having last scored on November 30th. They say he needs to step up if game if he needs to keep his place in the team.
Fabio Coentrao remains out of the squad for today’s match as speculation about his possible departure continues to grow.
