Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his aim is to reach the play-offs as the possibility of finishing in the top eight is becoming increasingly difficult.
Los Blancos have lost three of their last four European games and are now four points behind eighth-placed Monaco, who will automatically enter the last 16.
They will face Serie A’s hot favourites Atalanta in their final three games on Tuesday, and Ancelotti admitted his team must secure three points in Bergamo.
Ancelotti knows Madrid need a win to assuage any fears of an early exit, and he believes a play-off spot is the limit of Los Blancos’ ambitions.
“That is nothing more at stake than three important points that will help us to qualify,ทางเข้า https://ufabet999.app ” the Italian told a press conference on Monday.
“Unfortunately we will have to play an extra round, but that’s it, I have a lot of confidence in my team.
“Things have improved, we are now in a good dynamic and will keep improving as we move forward.
“Tomorrow’s game could be the most difficult one between now and the end of the year.
“We are worried about finding a good strategy to beat a very tough opponent like Atalanta, but nothing more.”
Ancelotti expects to face a much-improved Atalanta side from the one they beat 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup in August.
The Europa League champions top Serie A and are on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions, including victories over AC Milan, Napoli and Roma.
“Atalanta are doing very well, they have improved a lot compared to the Super Cup. They’re on a roll and they’re full of enthusiasm but that give us a chance to go out there and prove a point while earning three important points,” Ancelotti said.
“They are a great team, a club that does a spectacular job despite losing a lot of players every summer. They always find ways to adapt and that says a lot about who they are.”
“(Nothing is more important than) getting three points to help us qualify,” the Italian said.
“Unfortunately we will have to play in an extra round, but that’s it. I have full confidence in my team. “
Things are improving. We have good dimensions now and we will improve as we go forward. Tomorrow’s game could be one of the most difficult between now and the end of the year. “
My concerns are moderate at the moment. We are concerned about finding a good strategy to beat a difficult opponent like Atalanta, but nothing too big, just moderate.”