Agencies
Madrid, May 3: Real Madrid are hoping the fit-again Cristiano Ronaldo can lead them into the Champions League final although strike partner Karim Benzema remains a doubt for Wednesday’s return match with Manchester City.
Ronaldo completed a full training session Monday for the first time since injuring his hamstring against Villarreal April 20 and is expected to start the semifinal second leg against City. Benzema, who is also nursing a hamstring problem, could only do running exercises Monday.
Portugal marksman Ronaldo took no part in last week’s tie in Manchester while France forward Benzema went off at half time. Although Real Madrid had the better chances they were noticeably lightweight up front in the second period.
The club’s all-time leading scorer Ronaldo has 47 goals in all competitions this season. His hat-trick in the quarterfinal second leg against VfL Wolfsburg overturned a two-goal deficit from the first match, averting an embarrassing exit for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Madrid are also unbeaten in their last four Champions League matches at the Bernabeu against English oppositions. “Home advantage will help. The fans have to support us, we’re counting on them and I’m sure they won’t let us down,” said midfield anchorman Casemiro here Tuesday. “When they get behind us they help a lot. Manchester City have to feel that the Bernabeu is strong.”
Meanwhile City manager Manuel Pellegrini said that his team will look for goals, pressing from the very beginning of the match. “We won’t go to Santiago Bernabeu for another goalless draw. We will try to get up, press and score a goal, because we always want to score,” Pelligrini was quoted as saying by the Spanish media here.
Madrid are eyeing their 14th final appearance, 60 years after defeating Stade de Reims 4-3 to win the inaugural competition.
