Real Madrid have lost two key players, Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez, due to injury ahead of a key La Liga clash against arch rivals Atletico. But according to Gareth Bale, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo from two match ban will work in favor of the Los Blancos.
Real Madrid are ahead of Atletico by seven points in La Liga and they have a chance to take comfortable 10 point lead over their city rivals tonight. However, injuries to Sergio Ramos and James in a mid week game against Sevilla have left them depleted for this key encounter.
But according to Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo will help them overcome Atletico tonight.
“Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo is a massive player for us and to have him back will obviously be a big bonus. Looking forward to having him back on the pitch and hopefully keep winning”, Bale said.
“The aim is to win the league. And, we’re in a great positions at the moment but we’ll keep fighting to take three points every match. Take it game by game and hopefully at the end of the season we’ll be champions”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that a game against Atletico is always very special and he is looking forward to it.
a As is always the case for games like this, we have to be fully focused, try not to concede any goals, do our best and have the courage to play the way we want. It is a three-pointer for both sides. We have the advantage but that won’t mean anythinga .
a We have to give it our all. Controlling possession will be important as will our speed in the final third to make the most of our forward players’ attributesa .
Real Madrid were outplayed by Atletico in all their previous encounters this season but Ancelotti has said that they are now ready to beat their city rivals.
a There are a lot of factors to take into account. We didn’t play well in the last two meetings in the Copa. This is a crucial part of the season and a derby provides us with a lot of motivation. I think we have prepared well for this match, we are confident and I’m convinced we’ll do wella
