<
>

Ancelotti hopeful over duo for UCL final

MADRID -- Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Cristiano Ronaldo should be available for the Champions League final despite missing Saturday's league finale because of injury concerns.

#INSERT type:image END#

Ronaldo was set to start the 3-1 victory against Espanyol before exiting during the pre-game warmup because of tightness in his leg.

And, after the game, Ancelotti said: "He didn't feel comfortable and we decided to take him out to avoid any risk. If today had been the final, of course Cristiano would have risked it and played but we didn't need to do that today.

"We are not worried because we think he can play the (Champions League) final."

Madrid play city rival Atletico Madrid in the final of the European showpiece on May 24.

Madrid striker Karim Benzema also limped off with a left leg injury at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Ancelotti added: "Benzema had a twinge in the adductor and he shouldn't have any problem in playing the final."