As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Real Madrid coach Ancelotti: Defensive game key against Barcelona

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti doesn't expect a lot of goals against Barcelona.

The Italian knows what it takes to beat Barcelona, and he's planning for a tight game in Catalonia where defence will be key.

"The most important thing for us is to always defend well with a low, medium, or high block," Ancelotti said. "It's easier for us to defend with a low block because it's more dangerous for us to counterattack into the space we have with the players we have in attack.

"Defending well is key to everything. We've won every game we've kept a clean sheet in. Our problem isn't not scoring, it's not conceding. This is why I'm trying to focus on defence."

After suggesting that both Dani Carvajal and Eden Hazard will return to the team, Ancelotti was asked for his favourite Clasico memory and it didn't take much thought.

"It's easy," Ancelotti said. "Bale's goal in the 2014 [Copa del Rey] final.

"It was a tough game, and Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't playing through injury. We defended well, but that doesn't mean we didn't have to attack."

Video of the day:

Carlos Volcano
About the author

Carlos Volcano

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free