MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his side have a better chance of retaining the Champions League trophy than denying Barcelona the La Liga title.

Los Blancos squeezed past Atletico Madrid to reach the last four in midweek and were rewarded with on paper the easiest draw as they face Italian champions Juventus in the semi-finals and have the second-leg at home.

However, they also remain in the hunt for La Liga, five points behind Barca with a game in hand.

“It is more difficult to win La Liga because we have a disadvantage. Barcelona have the lead but in the Champions League we are all equal,” said the Italian, who coached Juventus between 1999 and 2001.

Injuries could have a big role to play in how successful Real are in the final month of the season and Ancelotti is confident both Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will be fit to face Juventus in Turin on May 5.

However, Luka Modric would only be available if Ancelotti’s men make it back to the final in Berlin in early June.

“Modric would be available only at the end of the season. Benzema could be ready for the first-leg and Bale for the game against Sevilla next weekend.”

Real also have a tough run in to the La Liga season staring with a trip to Celta Vigo on Sunday and Ancelotti believes Javier Hernandez will be an important player in the remaining games of the season after scoring the goal that secured a Champions League semi-final slot.

The Mexican was a forgotten man only a few weeks ago at the Bernabeu but his late Champions League goal against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg triggered calls for his loan deal from Manchester United to be made permanent.

It may have been a simple task to sweep the ball home from Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass but Hernandez was in the right place at the right time to get the only goal during 180 minutes of football.

“What has happened with Chicharito [Hernandez’s nickname] is an example for a lot of players that have played little,” Ancelotti said.

“Due to his hard work and professionalism he was ready at the right moment. We need now to take advantage of his good form and he will be an important player for us.”

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2015

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