"Lunin has had the chance to show his qualities, now it's Kepa's turn"

Real Madrid have a great opportunity to close the Champions League group stage in perfect fashion. They have five wins from five games and the sixth can be achieved in Berlin against Union, something that Ancelotti has in his sights, as do his players.

"The objective has been achieved, we've done well so far, but we want to finish well. We want to show a good image. As we always say, it's a special competition, we have to respect it. Our professionalism is at stake. We have to play a good game", he commented.

In relation to possible rotations, the Italian coach said the following: "I have to evaluate how the players have recovered, and from there I will choose the best eleven. If those who played are not tired, they can play, it's not a problem.

"If someone is tired, he will rest. The idea is not to make a rotation just for the sake of it. It will be done if there is a risk of problems. Nico Paz might play, it depends on what he sees in training".

On Madrid's favouritism if they win every game, Ancelotti was quite clear: "Madrid, because of their history, are always candidates to win a competition. We did well in the group stage, it's always complicated to win the Champions League. We have the quality to fight until the end."

Kepa will be in charge of the goal. "Kepa will play. I don't know if it's unfair to leave someone on the bench, it would be unfair every game. Someone has to stay.

"The good thing is that Lunin has had the opportunity that he didn't have in the past to show his qualities, we are very happy. He did well. Kepa didn't have to show it, he has a track record. Lunin's last period has been good, but you have to bear in mind that Kepa has always done well," he added.

 

December 11, 2023