‘Malaga a dangerous game’

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid not to take Malaga lightly and confirmed Karim Benzema will miss the game.

Benzema was injured in the Champions League quarter-final with Atletico Madrid and pulled out of training on Friday, with it initially thought he would struggle to be fit for the return.

Ancelotti has however said the France striker will be available for the derby but not Malaga, and stressed the team’s focus will be on the next game.

“Benzema isn’t available but he’ll recover for the next game,” the Italian told reporters, according to AS.

“We’ll put out the best possible team to win against a team that has done well and is dangerous. It won’t change the design of the team. He can play against Atletico. I don’t regret not making rotations.

“Malaga is a dangerous game because they did well against Atletico and won at Barcelona. This worries us and it will take a lot of energy to win.

“The team is showing its best and I am sure [the Santiago Bernabeu crowd] will help us if we continue with this intensity.

“The team is focused on this match, not on [the second leg against Atleti] on Wednesday. We have the motivation to do well. This is what we need.

“Chicharito or Iso? I’m thinking. Those who are at their best will play. It’s not the game to give minutes to those who need them, but to win and maintain our run. Fabio Coentrao won’t play.

“What makes me happy is that the team plays well. That’s great. Then we need to assess the outcome. [The 0-0 with Atletico] left a good impression.

“[Sami] Khedira instead of Lucas Silva? I don’t look at a player’s contract. I pick those who are ready.

“I won’t watch Barcelona’s game [against Valencia]. I’ll probably be at the cinema.”

Tags Carlo Ancelotti Karim Benzema
La Liga - Club News