In advance of their midweek Champions League group stage matchup against Celtic in Glasgow, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has urged his team to prepare for a challenging test.
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo's goals against Real Betis gave Los Blancos a 2-1 victory, maintaining their perfect league record.
In order to start defending their Champions League title, Ancelotti's team travels to Scotland to take on a Celtic team that is feeling confident following their convincing 4-0 victory over Rangers in the Old Firm game. Additionally, the Italian forewarned his team that Celtic Park will be electrified with a tense environment.
“They play really well, really intense,” said Ancelotti. “It’s a fantastic atmosphere and we are pleased to go to Glasgow to play against Celtic. It will be difficult for both teams.”
The Real Madrid boss also floated the possibility of resting talisman Karim Benzema for the visit to Glasgow, with the side currently short in the striking department.
He added: “It’s not true that [Benzema] doesn’t have a substitute. There’s Mariano, Hazard, Rodrygo, Asensio can play in that position. Modric has played there too, although that didn’t go so well!
“The fact we’re playing every three days now might mean he’ll have to rest some matches. Today he wasn’t so clinical in finishing, but that wasn’t because of anything physical.”
As well as Celtic, Los Blancos were drawn in a group containing Shakhtar Donetsk and Red Bull Leipzig in the Champions League this term as they target back-to-back European crowns.
