BAYERN Munich manager Thomas Tuchel and his Real Madrid counterpart Carlo Ancelotti are both confident going into tonight’s UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The first leg last week ended 2-2 and it is winner-takes-all tonight with the final ticket at stake.
Tuchel, who led Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021, says he is not intimidated by Real Madrid’s pedigree and the atmosphere at the Bernabeu.
“It’s not about the occasion, it is about the game. It is about the preparation,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“We are talking about certain topics, not about the myth and making it even bigger than it is.
“It [the Santiago Bernabeu] is one of the most difficult stadiums to win in but it’s not impossible to win here.”
Ancelotti, who has already won two Champions League trophies with Real Madrid over two spells, expresses respect for Bayern but is backing his side to go through.
“Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are similar clubs because they have a great history and a lot of success,” the Italian legend said.
“We have to respect our opponents because they did very well and better than us in the first leg.
“We are very excited because it could be another magical night for us, but there is no optimism. We are aware of the difficulties that we are going to face.”
The winners tonight will face Borussia Dortmund in the final scheduled for Wembley Stadium in London on June 1.
