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MADRID. — Real Madrid will be without Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to mathematically seal their place in the Champions League soccer last 16 at home to Galatasaray today. The Spanish giants are virtually already in the knockout stage as they would need to lose their remaining two games heavily having beaten Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen 6-1 and 4-0 respectively on matchday one and two.
However, they can also guarantee first place in Group B with just a point against the Turkish champions.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Ronaldo will miss his side’s Champions League encounter at home to Galatasaray tonight due to a hamstring injury.
The Portuguese was forced off with the injury in Real’s 5-0 win over Almeria on Saturday and will now miss the chance to break the Champions League record for the number of goals scored by one player in the group stage.
Ronaldo has found the net eight times in just four European appearances this season, tying the record held by Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Filippo Inzaghi and Hernan Crespo.
However, Ancelotti is hopeful his star man will be fit to face Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday.
“Cristiano cannot play tomorrow (tonight) because of a small injury. Tomorrow I think he will start training on the pitch again individually and we will see if he will be available for Saturday.
“It is just a strain, but he is very confident about being able to play on Saturday. We won’t take any risks with him because afterwards we have a Copa del Rey match in which he is suspended, but if he is fine then he will play.” Ancelotti also indicated that Ronaldo’s absence won’t affect the positioning of Gareth Bale on the right of the Madrid attack, where he has began to find form with four goals in his last five games.
“I don’t think he will change. I prefer him on the right so that he can shoot. I prefer the wingers to be able to come inside.”
Madrid need just a point to mathematically secure their place in the last 16 and ensure they finish top of the group. But having scored 22 goals in their last five games, Ancelotti wants to finish the group with a flourish. — AFP.
Online Reporter