Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti warned his players on the eve of their match against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium that the Champions League final is the most “dangerous” match in world football.
The Italian, who is the most-time winner of the tournament as a manager with four years to his name, said Real Madrid feared they would miss out on the trophy.
Madrid, who have won the league title a record 14 times, are the obvious favourites when it comes to competing against Bundesliga teams.
“The Champions League final is the most important game but also the most dangerous,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Friday.
“We have to enjoy being here but we know things can go wrong because we are so close to the most important thing in football, winning the Champions League. But there is also the fear that we might miss it.”
“Things have to go well, you have to be lucky, success is just around the corner, and the worry starts tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon.”
Real Madrid captain Nacho said he was confident but nervous.
“I’m more nervous than at any other moment this season,” admitted Real Madrid captain Nacho.
“We are human beings. It’s a calm week for (some of us), but not for the players. It’s not calm because it’s something special.”
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric said he went into the game expecting it to be an evenly matched battle, despite Real’s stronger side compared to Dortmund.
“Everyone thinks we are the favourites but we don’t see it that way,” the Croatian said.
“It’s a 50-50 chance. We’re playing against a strong team that has had a great season in the Champions League.”
With the win against Dortmund, Nacho and Modric join Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal in claiming their sixth Champions League win, drawing level with the all-time record holder, former Real Madrid legend Paco Gento.
“This moment was unimaginable but we are here, very happy and enjoying the moment,” Modric said.
“Tomorrow, we can go further as a team and win a sixth European Cup, which would be a great achievement.”
– ‘Something special’ –
Madrid have an uncanny ability to come back from behind to beat Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and come from behind when they seem on the verge of losing in European matches.
“We want to take the lead if possible,” Modric said.
“But we’ve shown time and time again this year that even when things aren’t going our way, we’ll fight to the end.
“We always find a way and have the ability to turn the game around. We continue to bring this mentality, this determination and fighting spirit, but like I said, we want to take the lead.”
Ancelotti said Madrid’s ability to come back from the dead “has happened many times, it’s not a coincidence.”
“It’s something special… it could be history, quality, tradition, individuality,” he mused.
The manager confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will start in place of Andriy Lunin in the final, clearing up any major selection questions ahead of the match.
Ancelotti said: “Lunin has the flu and is not traveling with the team. He will be with us tomorrow and will be on the bench. Courtois will play tomorrow.”
Belgium goalkeeper Courtois returned from a long-term knee injury at the beginning of May and has kept four clean sheets in four appearances since then.
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