Despite returning to the pitch for training sessions this week, Real Madrid forward and 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or Award winner Cristiano Ronaldo is not a guarantee for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semifinal tilt with Bayern Munich. The Portuguese native has been absent for Los Blancos’ last four matches due to significant knee and muscle problems in his left leg and even though he feels confident about rejoining his squad for the crucial opening leg, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said this week that he’s not willing to risk his star’s health. With Madrid preparing to host the defending UCL champs Wednesday at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Spain, the 54-year-old coach isn’t ready to commit to CR7’s presence.
“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,” he said at a recent press conference. 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 Wednesday. 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.”
While Ronaldo’s absence would certainly be noticeable, Real Madrid could also be without Copa del Rey hero Gareth Bale after the first-year Spain talent came down with the flu. There is no timetable for when the former Tottenham star will be ready to return to the pitch, something that will certainly concern Ancelotti moving forward. Bayern Munich ended Real’s run to the UCL final during the 2011-2012 tournament and with a trip to this year’s title match just 2 legs away, Pep Guardiola is hoping for a similar feat, regardless of whether or not Ronaldo and Bale suit up for Real Madrid Wednesday in Spain.
“Every time I have gone to the Bernabeu, as a player and as a coach, I have never in my head gone there as the favorite,” he said. “I have too much respect for them. Madrid deserve a lot of respect for all their history. They are always a strong team whoever is the coach because they have a lot behind them: great players, fans and a great history. We won the league much earlier and that meant our rhythm dropped a little but we will try to get back to our level as soon as possible. Madrid's enthusiasm will be greater than ours right now after winning the Cup final but we will try to be competitive at the Bernabeu.”
Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Wednesday, April 23
TIME: 2:45pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: FOX Sports 1 / FOX Deportes
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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