The European champions had to wait for more than half an hour in the arrivals hall at Manchester Airport on Tuesday.
Real Madrid shrugged off a delay at the airport to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in relaxed mood ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
The European champions had to wait more than half an hour in the arrivals hall at Manchester Airport on Tuesday after their team bus failed to pick them up in time.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were soon taken to the stadium to train ahead of Wednesday’s clash, which will start on a knife-edge after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Bernabeu last week.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference: “I am very calm, full of hope, full of faith.
“Tomorrow – game day – that’s when the worries will come and you’ll think about whether (Erling) Haaland is going to score or (Kevin) De Bruyne is going to hurt you.
“But I’m trying to put it out of my mind. It’s all about thought control.
“We are very happy to be here, we feel good. Being in the semi-finals is a regular occurrence for us.
“It’s 11 years out of 13 in the semifinals. This is not easy. We’re enjoying it while we can.”
City may have home advantage, but as 14-time European champions and current holders, Real certainly have the experience of similar encounters.
Ancelotti, who won the competition twice as Real boss and twice with AC Milan, said: “It’s special for Real Madrid because of the history we have in the tournament.
“It became important to fans and players in the 1950s. It’s everything you work for. There is something special about trying to win European trophies, especially the European Cup.
“It was important to them throughout their history. It’s a club that has a special power to stay alive.”
Ancelotti has a full squad at his disposal, with Eduardo Camavinga overcoming a knock and Eder Militao returning from suspension.
The first leg was even with City dominating possession for large spells but Real repeatedly threatening on the counter-attack.
Ancelotti said: “I don’t think it will be that different.
“There may be some adjustment from both sides. There are things we can improve, but I think they think so too.
“These are the two best teams in Europe and I predict an exciting game like the first game.
Experienced midfielder Luka Modrič is enjoying this match.
The Croatia international said: “We have good feelings and we are looking forward to continue. I can not wait.
“These games are like finals. It is massive. You have to enjoy every minute.”
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