Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti: Cristiano Ronaldo will fire us to Champions League glory
Posted Saturday, May 24, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk
CARLO ANCELOTTI believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the weapon that can finally deliver Real Madrid their long-awaited tenth European Cup tonight.
RON'S OUR MAN: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti thinks Cristiano Ronaldo will be
Real's key to Champions League success
The Spanish giants have been waiting for 'La Decima' since they lifted the Champions League trophy in 2002, but La Liga champions and neighbours Atletico stand in their way.
Real have spent almost £1bn in the last 12 years chasing the coveted trophy, and boss Ancelotti is hoping the wait finally ends in Lisbon.
After confirming Ronaldo, who missed Real's last two La Liga games to protect a thigh strain, is fit to start, the Italian boss is putting his faith in the Portugal star to take the final in his home country by storm.
The Italian, who is going for his third Champions League crown as a manager, said: "He is a very important weapon.
"His statistics are very impressive, so we need him.
"He has played an excellent Champions League season, scored 16 goals and helped the team to reach this final."
THRILLED: Ancelotti has been impressed by Ronaldo's form in the Champions League
The weight of the world will be on Ronaldo's shoulders in the Estadio da Luz, but the former Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon midfielder insists he is not about to buckle.
Ronaldo, who won the trophy in 2008 with United, said: "Pressure is part of football, pressure is part of playing for Real Madrid."
"I like playing with pressure, it makes me a better player."
"It's going to be a very special game as it is in Portugal and my first Champions League final with Real Madrid."
After seeing their rivals win La Liga last weekend, Real would love to bring them back down to earth with a bang.
Ancelotti will make late decisions on defender Pepe and striker Karim Benzema who are struggling with abductor and calf problems respectively.
But one certain starter is Gareth Bale and the Welshman is relishing his first Champions League final according to Zinedine Zidane, the man who got the winner in their last victory in the competition.
Zidane, now a coach at Real, said: "He is like a child waiting for Christmas in the build up to the final.
"The entire club is excited, but Gareth is new to all this and the anticipation is big for him."
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