Actual Madrid supervisor Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his aspect may have an ever so slight benefit in opposition to Manchester Metropolis of their Champions League quarter-final as a consequence of their lighter schedule.
Los Blancos will tackle the reigning kings of Europe within the final eight, with the primary leg to happen on the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday 9 April earlier than the return fixture on the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 17 April.
Nonetheless, Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola revealed his frustration final week with the association of the fixtures as his aspect have a packed Premier League schedule to take care of, whereas Madrid may have 9 days of relaxation in between.
“We play Aston Villa at 20:15, then at 12:30 in opposition to Crystal Palace on Saturday – at 12:30!” Guardiola bemoaned. “Then we go to Madrid on Tuesday. Madrid has 9 days to organize, 9 days.
“They play this weekend they usually will not do it once more till our sport. I wish to replicate and ask for yet one more day, as a result of the distinction is so much.”
Following Madrid’s 2-0 win at residence to Athletic Membership on Sunday night, Ancelotti was requested for his ideas on Guardiola’s feedback and ceded that his aspect will certainly have a ‘small benefit’.
“I see it effectively, they’ve a extra sophisticated schedule, it’s fashionable soccer,” Ancelotti stated. “It’s apparent that now we have a small benefit, however it won’t have an effect on the match. I actually appreciated the dealing with of as we speak’s match and rather less depth.”
Madrid have been paired with Metropolis within the knockout levels of the Champions League for a 3rd successive season having met them within the semi-finals in every of the final two campaigns.
The winner of this tie will face both Arsenal or Bayern Munich within the semi-finals, with Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona on the opposite aspect of the draw.
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