Champions League: Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich discussion

Ancelotti singled out his team's hard work against Bayern. Satisfied with the victory, but aware that there are still 90 minutes left to play before reaching the final, the Whites' coach stated: “We did a good job. Everyone had a great game. The fans' support was significant, and the atmosphere was spectacular. Our job is to do everything possible to take our fans to Lisbon”.

“We worked well as a unit, the players were unselfish and mentally strong. The team is full of desire, and while we might not play well all the time, the commitment among the squad members is great. The atmosphere is very positive. We need sacrifice, courage, quality and personality next Tuesday. The tie is wide open, we have a slight lead but no one knows what might happen”.

Different periods during the game
“We were a bit too timid at the beginning. We played a better pressing game towards the end in comparison to the start of the game. We didn't cope well with the pressure during the first few minutes. After that, the team began to play together and work a lot better. We controlled the play a lot more in the second half, although we weren't clinical with our chances during the first. We could have scored more, but the same can be said for Bayern. Iker pulled off a great save. Diego will play on Saturday and Iker will play on Tuesday”.

Chances
“The team was really effective during the first half, and created a few clear-cut chances. This side is formidable on the break. It makes sense to counter attack against Bayern. I don't like to concede possession but against some sides it can be more difficult to have the ball. I like to hold onto possession because as long as you have it your opponent can't score”.

Cristiano Ronaldo
“Cristiano put in a great shift, he was completely sure he could play and luckily everything worked out nicely. He wasn't in optimum shape though. Without Bale and with Ronaldo at only 50% it was always going to be tough. Cristiano has done very little speed work over the past few days. The most important thing is that he played to help us. He worked extremely hard and we are happy”.

WE NEED SACRIFICE, COURAGE, QUALITY AND PERSONALITY NEXT TUESDAY.
“Taking Cristiano off was a decision we made before the game. The risk we ran was only applicable if he played for over an hour. He played well, although he wasn't 100%. His performance was full of sacrifice and he'll be playing on Tuesday”.

The game in Munich
“The second leg will be very difficult. We have a slight advantage and will have to play as confidently as we have done tonight. There's no telling what might happen there, but I am confident. We know we'll be made to suffer, but we'll be full of fighting spirit and give it our all, just like we have done today. With the quality of the squad, Real Madrid can beat anyone. This is a very important part of the season and everyone's hard work is helping us pick up good results”.

The defensive performance
“The Pepe injury is a blow. The full backs were excellent. Bayern played a lot down the wings and the defenders worked well together to stop them. Coentrão was very reliable, as he always is. He always gives it his all when he plays. Without making mistakes, playing intelligently and staying focused throughout the game”.

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez offered his public thanks, for the effort of the players against Bayern Munich, as well as expressing his pride at the loyal support of the fans.

Appearing at the presentation for the ‘Corazón Classic Match’, which will raise funds for charity and feature Real Madrid against Inter Milan on Sunday 8th June, club president Florentino Pérez took the opportunity to give his public thanks to the players and staff, for their efforts in victory against Bayern Munich.

“I would like to congratulate the players and coaching staff for their huge effort in the Champions League match yesterday. We know there’s still there’s one last effort to make and it’s not going to be easy.”

Having acknowledged that there’s one last push to be made, before Real Madrid reach the Champions League final, Florentino also warmly thanked the fans for their support, both in the Copa del Rey and the match against Bayern Munich.

“I cannot forget our fans either, who urged the team on with their passion, just as they did last week in the Copa del Rey, in the streets of Valencia and in the Mestalla. It’s a huge pride to have such loyal and enthusiastic fans. It was very emotional.”

Yohan Modric wrote:It's always been a 4-3-3 usually with Di Maria moving to LW and Ronaldo moving up front occasionally. Defensively we defend with a 4-4-2.

Also Coentrao should definitely start. Bayern will be a lot more attacking and he's better defensively than Marcelo.

terrance511 wrote:carvajal-varane-ramos-coentrao
bale--modric--alonso--dimaria
----benzema----ronaldo-----


bale with more defensive duty?
it's actually nothing much diff, it all depends on role and task allocate.

halamadrid2 wrote:Bale does not come down and defend. That is the problem

Why do you think Xabi criticised the fact that we weren't defending as a team??? because our defending became so disjointed with only 3 midfielders and defence doing the defending duty. Benz is not supposed to come down and defend but needs to pressure cbs and dms and he has done that very well, we all know ronaldo won't defend but having bale join his club is just too much. I will never forget Iniestas goal at the Bernabeu where the fack was Bale????