Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will collide in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League 2014 semi-final tie on Wednesday at the Bernabeu in Spain.
Real Madrid could play without their biggest star as reports indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains doubtful for Wednesday's match as he is still nursing a combined thigh and knee injury.
According to Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, Ronaldo, who has missed the team's last four games including their 2-1 Copa Del Rey final victory over Barcelona, trained with team for two days.
However, Ancelotti said that he is still unsure whether or not Ronaldo will be ready to play against Bayern in the opening leg, revealing that the Portugal international will be a game-time decision.
Ancelotti said that they are being cautious on Ronaldo to avoid aggravating the injury, which could force him to sit out the second leg of the match. The Italian coach said that the most likely option is to play Ronaldo off the bench on Wednesday.
"The tie will not be decided [in the first leg], maybe we will get an advantage, but it will be decided next Tuesday. We must also think whether Cristiano on the bench could give us more options. Any minute could be the decisive minute," Ancelotti said.
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola is not taking any chances, though, expressing concern about his team's recent performances.
Guardiola admitted that his players seemed to have lost their focus after the team secured the Bundesliga title in record time, losing in four of their last seven matches. But despite their recent struggles, Guardiola praised his club for their hunger all-season long despite winning it all last year.
"Normally, when you win a title, you lose your desire and focus a little - you lose this zeal. That is why I am so proud of my team, because last year they won everything and the coach changed and they accepted my little changes and this year we have won the Bundesliga, we are in final of the cup and semi-finals of the Champions League," Guardiola said.
The Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich match will kick off at 2:45 p.m. EST. The match will be broadcasted via Fox Sports, and via live stream through Fox Soccer 2Go.
