Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich preview - Madrid to make late Ronaldo call

Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2014 by PA

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not risk playing Cristiano Ronaldo against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie if the forward has not fully recovered from injury.

The prolific Portuguese has not played any competitive football since Madrid's 3-0 quarter-final first-leg win over Borussia Dortmund on April 2, coming off in the 80th minute of that match with an injury to his left knee.

The forward had to miss the return leg in Dortmund and last week's Copa del Rey final win due to a subsequent hamstring problem, but returned to full training on Monday.

Last year Barcelona fielded Lionel Messi against Bayern in a Champions League semi-final when the Argentinian had not fully recovered from a hamstring problem, but Ancelotti vowed not to take any chances with Ronaldo, who is the top scorer in this season's competition with 14 goals in nine matches.

"Cristiano trained normally today, he's trained well in the last few days and tomorrow he's going to have more tests and then we'll make our decision," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"If everyone is everyone is certain he can play without any problems at all, then of course he will play. I am confident he will play, but we're going to make the decision tomorrow (Wednesday)."

The Italian coach hinted he might opt against starting Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, with next week's return game at the Allianz Arena in mind.

He added: "If there's any risk of a relapse he won't play. We have to remember that this tie is not going to be decided tomorrow. We may be able to gain an advantage from the home leg, but the really decisive game is next Tuesday in Munich."

If Ronaldo does not make it, Gareth Bale could start on the left side of attack, a position he shined in during the 2-1 cup final win against Barcelona, scoring the decisive goal.

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has admitted his team's desire to win games dropped after clinching the Bundesliga, but believes they are returning to their peak going into the semi-final.

The Bavarian outfit wrapped up the German title in record time at the end of March, but have since surrendered their unbeaten run in the league - winning just three of their last seven games in all competitions.

"In 27 games we conceded 13 goals and then seven in our next three matches after that, so our focus dropped a bit because we had already won the league," Guardiola said at the pre-match press conference.

Despite the blip in form, Guardiola praised the overall hunger of his team, who stand the chance of winning the treble for a second consecutive season.

"Normally, when you win a title, you lose your desire and focus a little - you lose this zeal. That is why I am so proud of my team, because last year they won everything and the coach changed and they accepted my little changes and this year we have won the Bundesliga, we are in final of the cup and semi-finals of the Champions League."

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has overcome a calf injury sustained in a 3-0 defeat to Borrusia Dortmund and is expected to start.