Why Real Madrid need a top finish in Champions League

Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has declared that the Los Blancos must win their UEFA Champions League Group, beginning with a win against AS Roma in Italy.

The European champions are tied with Roma on nine points at the top of their group, while a draw on Tuesday night will book their place in the last 16 of the competition.

“We have to win the group,” Carvajal told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “We’ll need all our attributes, but also the coolness to be able to manage the game at any moment.

“It’ll be a difficult match, we’re well aware of what Roma did last season so we’ll need to be focused and not show any fear. Given they’re playing at home, I expect Roma will try to press us high up the pitch and play their game.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari insists his side must ‘get back up’ against Roma following Saturday’s 3-0 loss against Eibar.

The Argentine’s first match in charge as permanent Madrid Coach saw the heavy defeat in the Basque Country and they now face a tough Champions League assignment in the Italian capital.

“We need to do what this squad has always done in this tournament, prove that we’re up to it,” Solari said in his pre-match Press conference. “It’s easy, but at the same time difficult. It was a heavy and hard defeat on Saturday, but it belongs in the past now.

“We’ve analysed the game and are looking forward, we’re in Italy, in Rome, and in another tournament so we’re focused on this match. Every game is a baptism of fire here, but whenever Real Madrid fall we always get back up. That’s why this is the most successful club in the world.

“Sergio Ramos allegations? He is an honest person, a symbol not only of Real Madrid but of all Spanish football. I think it’s your duty to defend him, you need to search for the truth which isn’t subject to opinion.”

Can Madrid achieve a top finish?

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