The victory mathematically qualifies Real Madrid for the round of 16
Modric, Güler and Brahim are fighting for the Englishman’s place if Ancelotti decides not to line him up
A victory against Sporting de Braga would put Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League. It would be a respite for Ancelotti, who is considering whether to line up Bellingham who arrives battered to the game with a shoulder dislocation.
“We will decide before the game,” said the Italian, for whom a victory would give him greater room for maneuver to overcome an exhausting schedule. The Portuguese also need the points to force their luck and ensure, at the very least, their presence in the Europa League if they cannot beat the whites or Naples.
With everything
Artur Jorge arrives with everyone available in search of a feat. It is expected that he will not hold back anything with his gala eleven, although he could make some adjustments to counteract some of the rival’s virtues. A brave coach who bets on the ball and an offensive game supported by dangerous players as they made clear in the first leg. He is one of those rivals that if you give him wings he flies high and attacks directly.
Ancelotti continues to miss Tchouaméni and Ceballos, although he recovers Mendy. The question is who will play for Bellingham. Modric, Güler or Brahim have options. In the only game in which the Italian rested the Englishman, Las Palmas put Brahim on. “He will play his role tomorrow (today) or in the next games,” Carletto said yesterday without clarifying too much.
Ancelotti has another challenge besides adding the three points, for his team to score more goals. The coach made a mistake yesterday when he showed his ‘catenazza’ streak, which distances him from the philosophy that Madrid boasts. “I still think that the one who fits the least, the more chance he has of winning.”said it contravening the historical spirit of a team that always played on the attack, scoring one more goal than the rival.
| SPORT