Guardiola Hopes Ronaldo Will Be Fit for Champions League Semi-Final Clash
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his hope that Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to feature in the upcoming Champions League semi-final first leg, despite the Real Madrid star nursing a knee injury.
Ronaldo, 29, suffered pain in his left knee during Real Madrid’s quarter-final clash, forcing him to miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. His availability for Wednesday’s tie against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu remains in doubt.
However, speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola admitted he would prefer to see the Portuguese forward take to the pitch.
“I hope Cristiano can play,” said the former Barcelona coach. “We play for the public, and the public wants to see the best.”
The Catalan tactician, who is in his first season in charge at Bayern, also took time to praise the depth and versatility of the Madrid squad, highlighting the different qualities players bring to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
“Isco plays more with the ball at his feet, while Cristiano likes to open up space,” Guardiola noted. “But the team has the ability to play — with Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos… I don’t know how Real do it, but they always sign players who run a lot.”
Guardiola singled out several of Madrid’s key attacking threats, noting the danger they pose in transition.
“(Ángel) Di María, (Karim) Benzema, (Gareth) Bale, Cristiano — they kill you when they open up space. It’s not easy to play against them,” he added.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both aiming to take a crucial step toward the final of Europe’s premier club competition. Madrid, chasing a historic tenth Champions League title, are looking to assert themselves at home before the return leg in Munich.
Ronaldo’s fitness will be closely monitored in the days leading up to the match, with Real Madrid medical staff racing to have their talisman ready in time.
The forward has already scored 14 goals in this season’s competition, equalling the single-season record. His absence would be a major blow to the Spanish side, though Ancelotti has a wealth of talent to call upon if Ronaldo is not passed fit.
