Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that his squad are struggling from fatigue issues ahead of their clash with Celtic on Wednesday.
The Bhoys travel to the Spanish capital to take on the current European champions at the iconic Bernabeu Stadium.
Although there have been positives from the performances, it has ultimately been a disappointing campaign in Group F for Ange Postecoglou and his players.
For the Hoops midweek opponents, Real Madrid, their place in the next round of the competition is already secured, having picked up 10 points from a possible 15.
However, after a surprise defeat against RB Leipzig on matchday five, top spot is still up for grabs, and Los Blancos will need three points in order to secure 1st in the group.
It hasn’t been the ideal preparation for Ancelotti’s squad ahead of Wednesday evening, as they dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Girona at home yesterday.
And they could also be facing some injury issues, with key players such as Karim Benzema and Aurélien Tchouaméni major doubts for the Celtic clash [Marca].
Speaking in the aftermath of their draw at the weekend, Ancelotti hinted that his squad are suffering from fatigue issues at this point in the campaign after a busy start in the lead-up to this winter’s World Cup.
He said [Bernabeu Digital]: “We are not at the level of last week. We have had problems this week: injured players, players who have not trained much, and the loss of Tchouaméni.
“We are playing a lot of games, the team is tired. It is a time of difficulty. It hasn’t affected us much yet. On Wednesday we have a chance to be first in the group. The goal before the break is to be first and be leaders in the league.”
Celtic may be eliminated, but Ange Postecoglou will be keen to catch Real Madrid cold.
Despite being so successful in this competition, over the years, Real Madrid has had their fair share of surprise group-stage results.
That includes this season, with a draw and defeat on the road against Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig.
In the first match-up between the two sides on matchday one, the Hoops produced a strong showing and went toe-to-toe with the European champions. But ultimately, Madrid’s quality came through in the end.
With nothing to play for at this stage, the pressure is off Celtic, and Ange Postecoglou will be keen to see his side produce another strong showing – but this time, come away with something from it.
That is going to be an extremely tough task against a world-class side. But, if Ancelotti’s statements are true, there could be an opportunity for Celtic to catch them cold at the Bernabeu.
It would certainly put the Bhoys on the map and prove to be a brilliant ending to a tough campaign.
Of course, no one is expecting us to come away with three points. However, here’s hoping we can put on an entertaining show for travelling fans and Celtic supporters across the globe as we play our final European game of the season.
In other news, The stellar role Celtic-linked Yuki Kobayashi has had to fill at current club.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
