Real Madrid: Los Blancos handed double Champions League boost

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Champions League Final

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale should be fit for the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid on May 24.

Portuguese star Ronaldo has been the big worry for Real as he has only completed two of the side’s past nine matches because of muscle fatigue, while he was absent from the side which crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Sunday which ended their La Liga title hopes.

Wales winger Bale was an unused substitute on Sunday after he had missed last week’s 1-1 draw at Real Valladolid because of a knock.

Ancelotti revealed that he didn’t want to take any risks with world’s most expensive player, while the Italian tactician feels both Bale and Ronaldo have a chance of playing a part in their domestic season finale against Espanyol at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

If the pair do miss out he still expects them to be ready to line up against Atletico in Lisbon the following week.

“[Bale] is not 100%,” Ancelotti said. “He got a knock, but I decided not to risk him, especially when I could have put him on. I wanted to avoid any problems.

“Ronaldo underwent treatment and is almost fully recovered,” he added. “We have a fortnight to prepare for the match and I think they’ll be completely fit for the final. I think he’ll be able to play against Espanyol.”

Real Madrid are 1.60 to win the Champions League while Atletico are 2.47 outsiders.

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