Prospect of final is amazing despite ‘worry and fear’ – Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti admitted there will be “worry and fear” in the Real Madrid camp ahead of facing Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

The tie is level at 2-2 following last week’s meeting at the Allianz Arena, when Real rescued a draw seven minutes from time via a penalty from Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian had given the La Liga champions an early lead in Munich before Bayern hit back in the second half with quickfire goals from Leroy Sane and top scorer Harry Kane.

Real were confirmed as title winners on Saturday after Girona beat Barcelona to end any chance of their Catalan rivals catching them, but despite having wrapped up a 36th league crown Ancelotti indicated his side will be wary of the threat posed by Thomas Tuchel’s team.

“I’m confident because we’re talking about Real Madrid and we have this squad which has done very well this season,” he said.

“We’re in a good position, but Tuchel will also think that he’s in a good position in the tie. We enjoyed preparing for the game today and tomorrow we’ll focus on the match.

“Today is a day that is worth savouring and it is a great source of motivation to be in the limelight. There’s a lot of worry and fear before the game but it’s amazing today, preparing for a semi-final with the prospect of reaching another final really motivates you.”

Ancelotti confirmed that Andriy Lunin will keep his place in goal despite Thibaut Courtois being fit again after injury.

Real’s number one made his first appearance of the season against Cadiz on Saturday having been out since August with injuries to his ACL and knee, but the Ukrainian Lunin, who kept goal in the first leg and against Manchester City in the quarter-final, will return against Bayern.

“Lunin will play tomorrow,” said Ancelotti.

“Courtois has to take his time to get back to his best. He played against Cadiz after training very well and had an excellent game transmitting security and confidence, but he has to get back to his best.

“Real Madrid and Bayern are similar clubs, both have a great tradition and history in the European Cup. We respect them too because they did very well and better than us in the first leg.”

Bayern boss Tuchel, who will leave the club at the end of the season after overseeing a first season without the winning the Bundesliga crown in 12 years for the 33-time champions, made Real the favourites to progress to the June 1 final at Wembley.

“All the prep has been about content,” he said. “We don’t talk about the legend (of Real). It’s one of the most difficult stadiums to win in, but it’s not impossible.

“We had a very good first leg, but unfortunately didn’t win. Given they are at home, it’s maybe at 51 percent for Real.

“It will be very important to play as a team. We need a lot of solidarity, we need belief and we have to work for it. Real play a bit more offensively in home games.

“The starting position is clear, the winner goes to Wembley, and we want to be the winner.”