Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has struck a confident tone ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster El Clasico showdown against Barcelona, making it clear that while he respects the quality of the Catalan giants, he doesn’t see them as unbeatable.

Speaking to the press, Ancelotti emphasised the importance of playing a complete game to get a result against Hansi Flick’s side.

“Barcelona are used to pushing us into our half. When we have the ball, we have to take advantage of it. We have to play a complete game,” Ancelotti said. His words highlight Real Madrid’s need to be efficient in possession and clinical in the final third – especially in a fixture that rarely offers second chances.

Despite the pressure that comes with El Clasico, Ancelotti doesn’t believe motivation will be an issue. “It’s not that difficult to prepare for these matches, because there’s no need to motivate the players. The most important thing is to give the players the clearest idea of how to play the match,” he added. That clarity in tactics and mentality could be decisive as Real Madrid chase crucial points in the La Liga title race.

Defensively, the Italian tactician expects a demanding test but remains confident in his side’s ability to cope.

“You have to defend well because Barca are a team that usually get into the opponent’s half. But it’s not a perfect team,” Ancelotti observed.

Ancelotti concluded by saying: “Barcelona might be used to pushing their opponent back into their own half, but no team is perfect. To win, you must manage everything well, both attacking and defending.”