Real face very high pressure in clash against Atletico: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti said Real Madrid will face immense pressure in their Champions League last 16 second leg derby at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, but backed his players to rise to the occasion.

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Champions Los Blancos hold a 2-1 first leg lead ahead of their visit to city rivals Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium.

Therecord15-time winners boast a strong record against Atletico over the years in Europe, most notably beating them in the 2014 and 2016 finals. Both teams have been paired on five occasions in the history of the competition and Real have emerged triumphant every time.

“The motivation and the pressure will be very high,” Ancelotti told a reporters on Tuesday.

“We're doing well, motivated like always in (the Champions League), it’s a hard game and we know it.

“We have the confidence to continue in this competition, which is a very special one.

“It will be an even game, decided by small details, that’s how (facing Atletico) has always been and it will be the same tomorrow.”

The Italian coach said if the tie comes down to a penalty shoot-out, his team's mental strength will be more important than their technical ability.

“I've had players who shoot penalties very well but they didn't have the right feeling going into a shoot-out,” explained Ancelotti.