Real Madrid will kick off their UEFA Champions League Group B season on the road in Turk Telecom arena at 2:45 p.m. against Galatasaray in action that can be live streamed here by clicking this link.
Real Madrid had its ups and downs last season, but is hoping for a far steadier run this year under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. After the tempestuous reign of Jose Mourinho, Ancelotti is preaching unity within the club this season.
"It is the most important competition, all of us want to win it and there is harmony among us," Ancelotti said. He acknowledged the brutal environment Real Madrid will open their campaign in, but said he expects his players to weather the storm and maintain composure.
"We have a team with a lot of quality but, despite that, we are playing in a stadium where the heated atmosphere puts a lot of pressure on you and helps the home team out. It will be a very good test for the character of our team."
Mesut Ozil is gone from Real Madrid, but the blow of his departure should be lessened by the arrival of 100 million Euro man Gareth Bale, as well as the re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
"In the world of the Madrid fan, Ronaldo's contract renewal is very good news because Real Madrid will be able to count on the most important player in the world for many years to come. But we still need to play well, to win games and to improve the quality of our game."
"Cristiano will be more motivated to do that now and I hope his performances remain as good as they have been over the last few years."
As for Bale, Ancelotti said that he will be a versatile weapon deployed in many different ways throughout the year.
"He can play in all attacking positions," Ancelotti added. "He's not a natural striker but he can play on either the right or the left. The other day he started on the right because that's the position he likes."
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