Tomorrow, Real Madrid will take on Barcelona in one of their last chances to keep their La Liga title hopes alive. If Real wins, the gap with Barcelona will be reduced to one point.

Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference today was busier than usual, with even a journalist from Cuba present.

Team condition and importance of the match: “The team is in good condition, focused on our tasks, and full of motivation. The match is very important in every aspect, and we are confident we can succeed. Games against Barcelona are always tough, but we have the necessary confidence to win.”

Tactical plan: “We must do everything right. Barcelona is used to putting pressure on opponents in their penalty area, but no team is perfect. This is a very sensitive game, and to win, we must manage everything well—good defense, good attack. A complete game.”

Rodrygo or Guler? “Rodrygo is back and has trained well, ready to play. We don’t have many options for the starting lineup, but whoever is on the list can be a starter. Rodrygo, like Arda Guler, is one of the options for the lineup.”

Your future and the possibility of Xabi Alonso joining: “I read that he is leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He has done an excellent job, and Real Madrid’s doors are open to him because he has shown he is one of the best in the world.”

Players’ motivation: “Motivating players for this game is not difficult because this is the type of match where players enter the field with high motivation and confidence.”

Returning after Champions League elimination: “That’s football. When you get hit, you immediately find an opportunity to react.”

350th game as Real Madrid coach: “It’s not complicated. Lisbon, Paris, and London. Of these 350 games, I don’t remember all of them. In some, we were good, and some are better forgotten because things don’t always go well.”

Love affair with Real: “The honeymoon with this club never ends. Real Madrid, like Milan in the past, has a place in my heart because of the time I spent here and the relationships I built. When the pressure decreases, the affection increases. The honeymoon with Real will last until the last day of my life.”

La Liga title race: “It was a good La Liga, and we had a good season. To win or stay close, stability is needed. This shows how important tomorrow’s game is. Both teams have a lot at stake. Maybe Barcelona has a better chance, but if we play well, everything will be possible until the last day. This is the last El Clasico of the season because Barcelona is not in the Club World Cup.”

Representing Real Madrid’s philosophy: “I don’t know if I’m the best representative of Real. Real is a special club that requires a special approach from everyone, from players to coaches and staff.”

Champions League semi-final and Barcelona’s elimination: “It was a very competitive match. Barcelona came very close to the final. I congratulate PSG and Inter, who will play an exciting final.”

Defensive line: “Jacob and Vaijo can replace the central defenders.”

Importance of set-pieces: “We have improved in this area. With Arda and Luka, we have two good deliverers. Tomorrow this will be important, although there are many important points in this game. If the players listen to me, everything will go well.”