by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is mutual respect between his side and fierce rivals Barcelona, as both clubs gear up for an intense run-in across multiple competitions.
Speaking ahead of Madrid’s weekend La Liga clash against Valencia, Ancelotti acknowledged Barcelona’s form and quality, stating, “Barcelona is playing well, they’re in good form. I think there’s a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid.”
Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by three points with nine matches left to play and will face the Catalan side in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Both teams are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Los Blancos booked their place in the Copa final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid.
Madrid’s preparations for the weekend are clouded by injury concerns, with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to a muscle issue. Second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin is also a doubt, leaving the door open for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to possibly make his senior debut.
“There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday [against Arsenal],” Ancelotti said. “We have a doubt for tomorrow’s game with Lunin… and if he’s not fit I have total confidence in Fran.”
Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of their midweek extra-time thriller and praised upcoming opponents Valencia, who are unbeaten in four games.
“We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time,” he said. “We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season.”
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