Valladolid vs Real Madrid preview - Ancelotti: We will fight to the end

Posted Wednesday, May 07, 2014 by PA

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned his players ahead of Wednesday's must-win game at Real Valladolid they cannot afford any further slips if they want to win the Primera Division title.

Ancelotti's side failed to capitalise on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid's 2-0 defeat at Levante as they drew 2-2 draw at home to Valencia on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's late equaliser lifted third-place Madrid five points adrift of Atletico with two games remaining, although Ancelotti's side have a game in hand.

"We wasted an opportunity," Ancelotti said. "But Cristiano's goal was very important because to have lost that game would have killed our chances to win the league.

"We are still in the title race. My players have the same enthusiasm and will to fight for the title until the end.

"We have three games left to play and we have to win them all.

"It's not going to be easy because we will play two games away from home. We have to be ready."

Victory at the Nuevo Jose Zorrilla stadium would see Madrid leapfrog Barcelona into second.

Barca, who host Atletico in their final game of the campaign, are two points clear of Madrid.

Madrid visit Celta Vigo on Sunday before ending their season at home to Espanyol on May 18.

Valladolid head into the contest knowing that anything but a defeat would see them climb out of the drop zone.

They beat Espanyol 1-0 last time out and are 19th in the standings, one point adrift of Getafe, who hold the last safety position.

"We are not going to throw away this opportunity," Valladolid defender Carlos Gonzalez Pena said. "This game is a bonus for us and we will go out determined to get a positive result.

"We are all convinced we can defend our Primera Liga status."

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez will be without Angola striker Manucho Goncalves, who is out with a left knee injury.

Moreover, midfielder Fausto Rossi is suspended.

Ancelotti is hoping to recover Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, who is doubtful with a thigh problem.