Ronaldo Key Influence In Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed fears that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could miss the Champions League final on May 24. Real Madrid qualified for the first Champions League final in the last 12 years after managing to beat Bayern Munich 5-0 on aggregate. Ronaldo was a key influence in both legs of the semi-final and he scored two goals. His goal is also helped him to create a new record in the competition, as he becomes the first player to score 15 goals in one single campaign.

However, the 29-year-old has been suffering from several injury problems in the last few weeks, which have caused him to sit out of key matches including the quarter-finals against Borussia Dortmund. He was taken off after just 10 minutes against Valladolid last weekend. The match finished in a disappointing 1-1 draw for the club. The latest 2-0 defeat against Celta de Vigo has ended any hopes of winning the title. Now, Madrid will be focusing their full attention on the Champions League final, but the injury situation of Ronaldo proves to be a concern.

Further, Gareth Bale has also missing a large chunk of the last few weeks due to illness. Ancelotti, though, expects both players to be fit for the final.

“[Bale] is not 100%. He got a knock, but I decided not to risk him, especially when I could have put him on. I wanted to avoid any problems. Ronaldo underwent treatment this morning and is almost fully recovered. We have a fortnight to prepare for the match and I think they’ll be completely fit for the final. I think he’ll be able to play against Espanyol [next Saturday],” said Ancelotti. Real Madrid will take on Espanyol in the final game of the league season. A number of players are expected to be rested.