Real Madrid must produce a strong defensive performance and respect attack-minded Champions League opponents Braga, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the eve of their Group C visit.
Real is top with two wins from two games. It conceded two goals in the victory at Napoli last time out but clinched a 3-2 victory thanks to a late own goal by Alex Meret.
Braga, who is third in the group on three points, also won 3-2 in its last Champions League game, coming back from two goals down to beat Union Berlin with an added time goal.
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“It’s an opportunity for us because after two wins it would be good to win again,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s game at the Estadio Municipal de Braga.
“We’re playing against a team that plays well, who like to attack and be in control. For us defending is important because from there we can take advantage of the individual quality we have.
“We have to respect our opponents, who attack and score a lot of goals. It’s a great opportunity to get the group stage off to a good start.”
Asked about Real’s record over the last 10 seasons in which it has won the Champions League five times but La Liga four, Ancelotti said there was a reason for its dominance in Europe.
“For Real Madrid this competition is very important and this club has dedicated a lot of attention to this competition,” he said.
“It is the one we all like the most: club, players and coaches. It is a special competition and we have to look forward and not backwards.”
On Saturday, Real was held to a 1-1 draw at Sevilla, during which they were thwarted by two early disallowed efforts following contentious refereeing decisions.
Ancelotti, who was shown a yellow card for complaining, was visibly frustrated. The Italian manager said the referee “was right in every decision” in his press conference, but added that he was trying to avoid a suspension.
Asked about the refereeing ahead of the Champions League game, Ancelotti told reporters: “Sometimes we have been wronged, but you know that I don’t have freedom of expression when talking about referees.
“If I say what I think they suspend me and I want to work and make the most of the matches, which give me emotions.”
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