Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will miss his side's Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona on Wednesday.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Ronaldo, 29, would not play in Valencia because of a hamstring injury. "Cristiano is not available because we don't want to take risks and we have other very important games to come this season," said Ancelotti.
"We are going to lose a player with an incredible quality, but his absence has provided motivation for the team to run more and play more as a team," added Ancelotti.
Madrid have lost twice to Barcelona in their league meetings this season but those results have been high points in a disappointing campaign for the Catalans.
Barcelona are third in La Liga - behind Real and leaders Atletico Madrid - following a shock defeat by Granada last weekend and last week went out of the Champions League to Atletico.
That was the first time in seven seasons Barcelona, who have also been hit by a transfer ban by Fifa, had failed to reach the Champions League semi-finals but midfielder Andres Iniesta is hoping to to add to their record tally of 26 Copa del Rey wins.
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino has defensive problems with Gerard Pique, Marc Bartra and Carles Puyol all serious doubts.
No comments:
Post a Comment