Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is expecting a ‘difficult game’ when they face off against Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side tomorrow evening.
The current holders of the UEFA Champions League travelled into Glasgow earlier this afternoon as the tournament prepares to get underway on Tuesday.
As the Spanish giants look to retain their European trophy, they start things off at Celtic Park, with the Hoops looking to produce a shock result.
Over the past few decades, Celtic have come up against some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
But, one side that seemed to evade them was the Los Blancos. Now, they will have the opportunity to sample the famous Parkhead atmosphere.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is a figure who has experienced Paradise under the lights before as manager of AC Milan and he has yet to taste victory in the away dugout against Celtic.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s game, the Italian provided his thoughts on the sort of threats that Celtic may pose for his side and also reflected on his previous matches at Celtic Park as he looks forward to sampling the atmosphere once again.
He said [Real Madrid]: “It’s obviously going to be a difficult game. They (Celtic), a lot like us, have a good dynamic at the moment; they play with a lot of intensity.
“But we are prepared, ready for it, and hopefully, we will get a victory in our first game.
“I know that Celtic isn’t going to change their style or attitude on the pitch. They want to play attacking football, this is absolutely normal in their house. We are not worried to defend because we will defend well.
“I think we have defended really well in the past. One of the key points in our victory last season was to defend well sometimes because a team has to be able to defend well and to attack well. That is what we would like to do tomorrow.
Finally, reflecting on his previous memories of Celtic Park, he said: “It’s true. It’s a difficult stadium for me and my teams in the past.
“I don’t have a clear memory of this, but we played against Celtic time, once in the groups and once, I think, in the last-16. We drew 0-0; we lost 1-0 here. And then we were able to win in Milan, 3-2 and in extra-time.
“What can I say; a really difficult stadium but a fantastic atmosphere. So, I love that my team can play in this atmosphere.”
Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to continue Anceolotti’s winless Parkhead record
Having not experienced a victory at Celtic Park, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that Ancelotti can continue that record tomorrow evening.
The Bhoys face an extremely difficult test at Paradise against a top-class European side, who are, of course, renowned for their performances on the European stage.
The Celtic boss will have his side well up for the test. But, it is up to them to nullify the incredible threats that Real Madrid can pose across the pitch.
Hopefully, the Hoops can put up a fight and make sure Ancelotti leaves with his winless Parkhead record in tact.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou handed Kyogo fitness boost as he provides latest Celtic injury update.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
