Carlo Ancelotti reveals how Real Madrid can avoid previous defeat to Barcelona in Copa del Rey

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his excitement ahead of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey semi final clash with arch rivals.

The Clasico rivals and current top two in La Liga face off on Thursday night at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi final.

Speaking ahead of the game to the press, Ancelotti explained how he and his team prepare for games of this magnitude, stating: "You have to have personality and courage to face a match like this.

"As always: there is enthusiasm to play this match, it's always beautiful. We're not far from playing a final. There are many things that allow us to enjoy this moment and try to do our best."

It's the first time the two teams have squared off since Barça beat Real 3-1 in the final of the Supercopa de Espana and Ancelotti explained how his side plan on avoiding the same problems that led to that defeat.

“We have evaluated everything. In the Super Cup we lacked commitment and forcefulness, with individual mistakes that will not be repeated. We are close to winning an important competition and we are going to compete. It’s not the decisive game, but we want to gain an advantage.”

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The Real Madrid manager also gave some fitness updates on key players, giving particularly positive updates on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and ex-Chelsea man Eden Hazard.

"Aurélien is fine, recovering his condition and can start. Camavinga is doing very well and that's good, having two players of this level gives us something more.

"Hazard is fine, he is training and wants to have minutes, he can have them in the next games. Rodrygo has trained, it seems that he is fine but then we will see the call-up."