(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo could feature for his Real Madrid side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg home clash with Bayern Munich if his fitness is completely ensured on Wednesday.
In a pre-match press conference a day ahead of the huge fixture, the Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters that, "Cristiano trained normally today, he's trained well in the last few days and tomorrow he's going to have more tests and then we'll make our decision." The 2013 world player of the year has not played competitive football since his side's quarter-final first-leg match win over Borussia Dortmund on April 2, after coming off with a knee injury.
"If everyone is certain he can play without any problems at all, then of course he will play. I am confident he will play, but we're going to make the decision tomorrow.
"If there's any risk of a relapse he won't play. We have to remember that this tie is not going to be decided tomorrow. We may be able to gain an advantage from the home leg, but the really decisive game is next Tuesday in Munich." If Ronaldo does not play, the Madrid have other options, including newly-acquired Welsh winger Gareth Bale, who Ancelotti said is playing well and is happy and confident after scoring the winning goal in the Copa Del Rey final against Barcelona last week.
Speaking about his opposite number, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, he said that the Spanish coach's coaching philosophy has not changed much since his former days in Barcelona.
He said he was not surprised to see the Bavarian side being cast favourites, as they have a very strong team that has won numerous accolades - one of them being last season's Champions League title itself.
However, Ancelotti said morale was high amongst his men, and that they were adamant on winning their 10th European cup.
Meanwhile, Guardiola said that beating Real Madrid always requires an exceptional and complete performance, especially if it is during the semi-final of the Champions League.
He expressed the view that Italian coach Ancelotti has improved the way the Madrid side play, hailing its star man Ronaldo as one of the best in the game.
No side has won the illustrious cup for two years in a row, and this is why it will be difficult for his champion side, he added.
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