Reports in the Spanish Press this morning claim that Raphael Varane will be back in the Real Madrid starting XI this week.

Los Blancos go to Vicente Calderon on Wednesday for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final.

They have a 3-0 lead going into the match, and as such, Carlo Ancelotti will start the France international as he looks to come back from injury.

The youngster has been out since November 9 with a recurring knee injury, but after coming through training, AS believe that the Italian tactician will put his faith in the centre-back for the derby.

Varane will also be put into the XI to protect either Sergio Ramos or Pepe, who are both a booking away from suspension.

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City the day before the derby against Atlético Madrid. The Italian coach, who sent his congratulations to "the basketball team for the cup win and to Pablo Laso for the good job done", said that "Cristiano Ronaldo and Varane will start and the entire squad are available". He went on to speak about how they will approach the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg: "We have a significant advantage but we need to play with the same focus as in the first leg to avoid problems. We shouldn’t change our philosophy and we have to play with intensity to have possession. The best thing is to not to think about the lead that we have. It will be difficult because they are a very strong team".

The Real Madrid coach also spoke about the intensity at which the derby will be played: "Matches between two teams from the same city are always more intense than normal. The only thing that we’ll talk about in the build-up to the match is about being well-prepared for it and trying to play well both defensively and in attack. It is not good preparing for a match thinking about not picking up any bookings, it is more important to focus on how we’re going to play".

About the possibility of Pepe and Ramos, who are a booking away from suspension, not playing, he said: "We have no problems. Varane will play and one of the two of them will rest. Varane needs to play. He has everything it takes to be a good defender: quality, speed, tactical awareness, good positioning, enthusiasm ... It is important that he has recovered well because the other centre-backs get a chance to rest".

When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo and his suspension, he said: "He likes to play every match. We wish he could play in the next La Liga matches". About Jesé, who took the Portuguese’s place in the starting line-up last Saturday against Villarreal, and his spectacular start to the year, he said: "It is impossible to think of a place in the starting eleven for the whole season. He is important for this squad, as are Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. I am lucky that there are lots of matches throughout the season and I can sort out the problem of which players get to start".

In reference to whether he is being unfair to Isco, he said: "It is a difficult question to answer because I'm not here to work for a specific player, but rather to do the best for Real Madrid. Sometimes I cannot be the fairest with some players and it is normal that he is not happy. I wouldn’t like it if a player was happy about not playing. He has to have the desire to play and I hope that by the end of the season, he and everyone else can say that he was important for the team. He did very well at the start of the season and I have no doubt about how talented he is".

The Italian coach also had words of praise for how Modric is playing this season: "I haven’t focused on anything in particular with him in training, but he is a great player. He is more comfortable this year because he has adapted to Spanish football and he is playing really well in midfield". When asked about the closely fought battle at the top of the La Liga table, he was clear: "We're doing well. We are playing consistently and are keen to do well in all competitions. It is an important part of the season and right now we have the same chance to win the league as the other two teams".

Regarding the level of the referees in Spain, he said: "When there is more pressure, it is more difficult to do the job. In Spain and Italy it is the same, but in England it easier to referee because there is less pressure. It is more difficult here". Finally, about Atlético Madrid player Juanfran’s recent comments about referees making things tough for his team, he said: "I think it is more a matter of getting lucky or unlucky decisions sometimes".

chad4401 wrote:you want us to lose the second leg

Atletico Madrid have been fined £492 after Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was struck on the head with a cigarette lighter.
Ronaldo was leaving the pitch at half-time during Tuesday's Copa del Rey semi-final at Atletico's Vicente Calderon when he was hit by the object.

It was thrown from the crowd after the 29-year-old had scored two penalties to help Real advance to the final.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it was an "isolated" incident.

They added that the fine would have been halved had Atletico been able to identify the person responsible for throwing the lighter.

Ronaldo, who had been booked shortly before half-time, was not seriously injured and was able to play on, although he was eventually substituted 15 minutes from the end of the game.

LeVersacci wrote:Wow £492!!