Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti isn't expecting Celtic to change their gameplan when they come to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
The reigning champions of Europe are aiming to secure top spot in Champions League Group F, while the Hoops are guaranteed to finish bottom after picking up just two points from their five games so far.
Despite the top dogs of Scottish football struggling to pick up points among Europe’s elite, Ancelotti is full of “respect” for Ange Postecoglou’s attack-minded team.
“We’re up against a team that plays at high intensity, we’re prepared and we want to put on a top performance.
“Celtic aren’t going to change their identity. They’ll play their game, with intensity passion and quality. That’s what we’re expecting. It’ll be an open game and we want to be at our best. I have a lot of respect for this team. They’ve played well in a lot of games.
“They played really good in the first half against us. They played really well for 60 minutes against Leipzig (in the 1-1 draw at Celtic Park last week), so I think they did well.”
Real are without midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni while Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema faces a late fitness check. The LaLiga leaders are currently a point ahead of RB Leipzig as they bid to get the win over Celtic that will assure them of top spot in the section.
“It’s an important game,” said Ancelotti. “We know that our objective is to finish top of the group.
“We’ve got all the conditions to do so. We’re back at our stadium on a Champions League night.
“There are competitive teams that will finish second in their groups. What’s most important is the prestige of this club. This is a special competition for this club and we have to respect every game.”
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