Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was optimistic, but cautious when he spoke to the press ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semifinal return leg at home to Bayern Munich.

Jamal Musiala (R) of Bayern Munich vies with Toni Kroos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 1st Leg football match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich, Germany, April 30, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

A 2-2 draw in Munich a week ago means Ancelotti's side goes into the game as favorites, but although the coach said it could be a "magical night" for the club, he advised his players were also "aware of the difficulties we may find."

"We need to play an intense game both in attack and defense," he commented, adding that his side could have defended better in the first leg.

"We have to try to be at our best. We're excited because we've got a great opportunity to make it to the final again. We're in good shape, highly motivated, and we'll try to do our best," advised Ancelotti.

Real Madrid goes into the game after assuring their 36th La Liga title with a 3-0 win at home to Cadiz on Saturday, and the coach said he backed his players to continue with their excellent form.

"We have this squad, which has done very well this season, and I'm confident the fans will get behind us. We are in a good position," insisted Ancelotti.

Ancelotti, who coached Bayern between 2016 and 2017, said the German powerhouse and Real Madrid were "similar clubs," with a "great tradition and history in the European Cup."

"We respect them and they were the better side in the first leg," he advised, before confirming that Andriy Lunin would start in goal, despite Thibaut Courtois' return from injury at the weekend.

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