Ancelotti’s El Classico warning

REAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned his team that Barcelona have been“spectacular” in LaLiga, despite their struggles in the Champions League. Barcelona are on the verge of Champions League elimination after a 3-3 draw at home against Inter Milan last week, but come into today’s Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu as leaders, unbeaten in the top flight.

Xavi’s side have conceded just one goal all season in LaLiga, and lead Real Madrid on goal difference, as both sides are tied on 22 points at the top of the table. “We’re looking at a team that’s won all their games in LaLiga after drawing their first one, they have very good form in the league ,” An ce lotti told a press conference yesterday.

“Since the start of the competition, they have done very well. They have had trouble in the Champions League, which usually happens in that competition, but in LaLiga they have been spectacular.” The coach remembered last season’s 4-0 defeat by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, where in the absence of striker Karim Benzema, he operated with Luka Modric as a false nine.

“It’s true that last year, I tried to invent something and I paid the price for it,”said Ancelotti.

“The game last year will not affect us, because this is another season and another Clasico. We are looking forward to playing this game, which the whole world will watch.” Ancelotti confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is back training after suffering sciatica, but will not feature in the Clasico. Antonio Rudiger can play, wearing a protective mask after the German defender suffered a bad facial injury against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. He scored a last-minute goal but clashed heads with the opposition goalkeeper. —