Real Madrid will lock horns with German newbies Union Berlin their first Group C encounter of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Having made a 100% start in La Liga, with five wins in five matches, the Merengues will be eager to carry that streak forward into European competitions and kickstart with all three points.

On the eve of the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti appeared in front of the media for his customary press conference and provided an update on the club’s injury situation as well as discussed their ambitions in Europe.

“The Champions League is special for us. We want to start the group stage well and tomorrow we have the opportunity. Our opponents are well organised, solid and convincing. We will need a lot of intensity,” he said.

“The objective is to compete until the end. We can say that without too much pressure, we can do it. The objective is to get through the group stage, round of 16 and quarter-finals.”

Just a while ago, reports emerged claiming that Dani Carvajal will miss tomorrow’s game as well as the weekend derby against Atletico Madrid due to a muscle injury.

Providing an update on the veteran right-back’s situation, Ancelotti said: “Carvajal has an overload, we prefer not to take any risks. It’s nothing serious, he’ll undergo tests tomorrow and we hope he recovers soon.”

“Carvajal can make it to the derby. The feelings are good,” he said.

Confirming who will replace him the side tomorrow, the manager stated: “Tomorrow Lucas Vázquez will play in place of Carvajal.”

The Real Madrid manager then tipped reigning European champions Manchester City as the favourites for the tournament, saying:

“Manchester City are favourites because of the squad and above all because they won the Champions League. But in the final part there are surprises. At the moment they are the favourites.

“Madrid will compete until the end. I don’t think we are favourites. City don’t think they are favourites either, but the fact that they won it last year makes them favourites.”

Last night, Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal revealed his desire to become the president of Real Madrid in the future. When asked about that, Ancelotti said:

“I have only had one president, Florentino. He is the best possible president. We are very proud that Nadal is a true Madridista.”

Talking about the opponents, Union Berlin, Ancelotti said: “Union Berlin is a new team in the Champions League, they deserve it. They are solid and play with a lot of intensity. We have studied them well and hopefully we will do well tomorrow.

“They don’t have individuals who stand out but they play very well as a team.”

On the contributions being made by the new signings, the Real Madrid said: “Those who have arrived are contributing a lot, like Joselu, Bellingham and Fran García. We are ready, just like last year.”

Luka Modric has publicly expressed his discontentment about his reduced role this season, but Ancelotti insisted that it has not affected their personal relationship, saying:

“Modric is fine, the personal relationship is perfect. The fact that he plays less can affect the professional relationship, but the personal relationship will always be perfect. Tomorrow he will play.”

There was some good news on the injury front for Real Madrid, with Arda Guler closing in on a return, saying: “Guler will be back with the team on Monday.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo