Real Madrid defender David Alaba has insisted that no one in the locker room is taking Chelsea for granted, saying that although everyone is confident, they expect the game to be decided by details.

Real Madrid welcome Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday and despite the fact that the Blues are largely troubled with injuries and unavailability of players, no one is underestimating the Premier League side.

“A match like this is very special, it will be decided by details. We are very confident and we want to move on to the next round,” the defender told the media. “They continue to have a great squad. The key will be to trust ourselves.

“We do not underestimate Chelsea. They have a great squad and a great team. We are focused on pressing from the first minute and trying to win. 

“They are a strong team despite the changes they have made in recent weeks. We have to stay focused,” he added.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has been in the news of late after he punched Villarreal Alejandro Baena in the face for allegedly making a personal comment about the former’s unborn child.

When asked about how things are at the moment, Alaba said, “He’s fine. He has our full support. He’s fit and focused for tomorrow’s game. I can’t say more about what happened with Baena.”

Over the years, Alaba has developed a reputation of being one of the most versatile players in the sport. The Austrian defender, who can play as a centre-back and as a left-back, can also operate as a midfielder and while speaking about it, he revealed his preferred position.

“I have played in many positions throughout my career. My coaches have always wanted to try me. But I insist, at centre back is where I like it the most. I’m a very flexible player and now I’m playing as a centre-back. I feel very good there.”

The pressure of winning the UEFA Champions League at Real Madrid is evidently higher than any other club and the former Bayern Munich defender, who admits that he will support the Bavarians tonight against Manchester City, agreed to the same level.

“If you look at Madrid’s history, the pressure is always very high, but we love it. It’s a very big club and we have to handle this pressure. We want them to be proud of us.”

At the same time, he admitted, “Madrid are favourites, 99% of the time. You have to do it well, work and try to be successful”

By now, Real Madrid only have two titles left in sight; Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. As far as the league title is concerned, they have conceded it to their bitter rivals Barcelona and Alaba says there is absolutely no point in sulking over it.

“La Liga? The goal was to win it. But we have to move on, be calm, go little by little and fight each game, one by one.”

Alaba sparked controversy after news emerged that he chose Lionel Messi ahead of his Madrid teammate Karim Benzema in The Best awards. While speaking about it, he explained,

“I’m sure you know why I did it. It’s not me who chose Leo before Karim. We are a team (Austrian team) and everyone can vote. This was the result.”

Things might look calm from the top but everyone is quite aware of the fact that Carlo Ancelotti might leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to join the Brazil national team. So when asked about his take on the news, the defender said,

“Of course, he is a great coach. He has shown many times what a coach he is. He has a lot of experience and has been very successful. We are very happy to have him and we would like him to continue.”

Lastly, the 30-year-old also had a few words reserved for the partnership of Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr. 

“They are a great couple and we are delighted to have them with us. They play very well together because they train very well. Karim is a leader and always tries to help the younger players, like Vini.”