Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti eyeing key tactical ploy to 'break' Arsenal in UEFA Champions League second leg at Santiago Bernabeu

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on the Arsenal strength his men must "break" in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg. The Italian added that the Santiago Bernabeu often provided "a little bit of magic" on Champions League nights, as the 15-time winners attempt to pull off one of the most unlikely comebacks in the competition's history.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing a tactical ploy that he believes can help "break" Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. 

On Wednesday, The Gunners will take a three-goal lead to the Santiago Bernabeu, after a memorable first leg at the Emirates in which Declan Rice netted two phenomenal free-kicks and Mikel Merino added a third. 

Mikel Arteta’s side will be expected to get the job done in Spain, but, as noted by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, "crazy" things can happen on a Champions League night at the Bernabeu.

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Speaking ahead of the encounter, which will be live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ from 19:00 UK time, Madrid boss Ancelotti said he was eyeing a tactical ploy in the hope of thwarting Arsenal. 

"They play really well, of course," Ancelotti exclusively told TNT Sports.

"They are really well-organised and that’s what we would like to break tomorrow - this organisation."

He added: "We are pretty sure what kind of game we are going to play. We are not sure about the result. But before a game you are never sure of the result. 

"You have to control your performance and I think tomorrow night we are going to control our performance."

Highlights: Rice magic as Arsenal stun Real Madrid on famous night

Video credit: TNT Sports

Ancelotti talks up Bernabeu 'magic'

Ancelotti added that the Bernabeu, which has been the setting for several remarkable Real Madrid comebacks in the competition, often provided a "little bit of magic" on Champions League nights.

"Here the expectation in the club for the Champions League is always high," the Italian said.

"I think we’ve done really well [in the past] and we want to do the same this year. 

"There have been more difficulties, but in the difficulties this stadium is usually really helpful for us. 

"There’s a little bit of magic. Everyone talks about the magic of the Bernabeu. The magic, of course, comes from the performance of the team. 

"When the team is involved [in the game], the supporters are more involved and create a fantastic ambience. This is what we are going to expect tomorrow."

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