There’s only one thing dominating the sports pages today – the semi-final of the Copa del Rey between Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid.
The first leg takes place tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Carlo Ancelotti gave his press conference yesterday in which he called on his players to show fight and determination to win. Despite the fact that Atletico have won the last two encounters at the Bernabeu, and sit top of the league, Real may just slight favourites for tonight’s match now they have settled into a system under the Italian manager.
One of the main focuses in the press is the record of Iker Casillas. AS goes with a picture of the World Cup winner of its front cover. The shotstopper, so often overlooked by Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti in the past year, set a new club record last week for going the most amount of minutes without conceding a goal. His record against tonight’s opponents if formidable. 24 games played in 14 years against the Rojiblancos – and not one single defeat.
In team news, Marca says Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao will start at full-back for Los Blancos as Carlo Ancelotti looks to rotate a bit and give some players a chance for a breather, and others an opportunity to regain match fitness.
