08 May 2023 , 17:00
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Carlo Ancelotti reckons Treble-chasing Manchester City are looking “unstoppable” ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final showdown.
Holders Real Madrid are aiming to be European champions for a record-extending 15th time, having beaten City in last season’s semi-finals en route to lifting the trophy.
But City, who have won 15 of their last 16 games, are out to avenge that defeat, with Ancelotti conceding Pep Guardiola’s side - led by 51-goal striker Erling Haaland - are even more formidable than last season.
Asked how Real intend to stop Haaland, boss Ancelotti said: “Obviously Haaland is a dangerous player and has been showing amazing quality, especially when scoring.
“But to talk only about Haaland means not to talk about a full team who plays football very well and are good in defence and attack.
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“We’re not just thinking about stopping Haaland, but stopping a team that seems to be unstoppable. But believe we have options to play an equal match that we can win.
“In Haaland, City have a forward who is quite dangerous but has different aspects, so they have not changed their style.
Ancelotti admits Manchester City will be a huge test (PA)“But now they take more advantage of the long ball, because they have a forward who is quite high and Kevin De Bruyne is behind him.
“They have the opportunity to do that, but it doesn’t mean the team has changed its style. They’re still the same as last year - very well organised at the back and a team that handles the ball well.
“The defensive aspect is quite relevant and we're not focusing just on one player because that would mean forgetting about their other players, who are important and dangerous as well.
“We know it’s going to be a very demanding match, because when you get to a semi-final in a competition like this, it’s normal that it‘s going to be demanding.”
Ancelotti confirmed Luka Modric, who returned from injury in Real’s Copa Del Rey final win at the weekend, is fit to start against City.
“He can play, no problem,” said Ancelotti. “When Luka is okay he plays so tomorrow he will be playing.”
Luka Modric is fit to feature for Real Madrid (Getty Images)Real midfielder Toni Kroos was asked if he felt City will be fuelled by revenge, after conceding twice late on in last season’s semi-finals and eventually losing in extra-time.
“I don’t know if they could be more motivated than last year,” said Kroos.
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“It’s clear that they have the goal to win the Champions League. Most of their players have never done that, so it’s normal that it‘s impossible for them to be more motivated.
“You felt it last year. They had two good games. Maybe in the first leg they missed the chance to score more and come to Madrid with a better result, but even here they scored the first goal and were very close.
“I expect the same motivation from them, because to have more is impossible, but we will be motivated anyway.”