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- Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press ahead of the Copa del Rey match against Olímpic de Xàtiva and revealed that Di María will start ahead of Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger picked up a slight knock and will cede his spot to the Argentine star, who has not taken up Carlo's offer to discuss his alleged unhappiness in the team. Sergio Ramos will also miss the game with a minor pain in his back.
- Real Madrid's boss said the following players will also feature in the starting line-up: Carvajal, Pepe, Nacho, Arbeloa, Casemiro, Illarramendi, Isco, Jesé, Morata and Di María. After drawing 0-0 against Olímpic de Xàtiva on the road, Madrid will seek to score and earn a win on home soil.
- Carletto also discussed the Champions League draw against German team Schalke 04. Ancelotti respects Schalke's experience and knows that the pressure will be on Madrid to advance to the next round of the competition. The boss claimed the draw is neither good nor bad, but that a match-up in the Round of 16 of the Champions League will always be difficult.
- Have you heard Managing Madrid's epic new podcast with Guardian journalist Sid Lowe? Lucas and Sid discuss a host of issues ranging from the Champions League to Ancelotti's favored formation to the Ballon D'Or. You will not want to miss it!
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