Sat Apr 05 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Coach Remains Unfazed by Barcelona Ruling Ahead of Triple-Header

**MADRID, SPAIN** – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to navigate a crucial period, dismissing concerns over a controversial ruling that allows Barcelona players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor to continue playing despite ongoing disputes. The Spanish Sports Ministry (CSD) decision overruled objections from LaLiga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Madrid secured a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, setting up a final clash with Barcelona on April 26th. This adds to the already intense rivalry, with the two teams also battling for La Liga supremacy – where Barcelona currently holds a three-point lead – and a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.

Ancelotti insisted the CSD’s decision won’t affect the competitions, stating, “No, I don’t believe so. We are happy to play in a great Copa del Rey final and be closer to another aim. We have a lot of respect for Barcelona.”

Despite a demanding schedule featuring four matches in eleven days, including a La Liga fixture against Valencia on Saturday and a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal next week, Ancelotti remains optimistic. “We have to be optimistic,” he said. “The team is fighting, we are alive in every competition. We are very close. We have confidence also because of the experience we’ve had in the past.”

The manager also allayed concerns about a potential goalkeeping crisis, expressing confidence in Thibaut Courtois’s recovery from a muscular problem. He also confirmed that Andriy Lunin, who suffered a minor injury, will be assessed, and that young goalkeeper Fran González is ready to step up if needed.

Further positive news arrived with UEFA clearing Antonio Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé to play against Arsenal following an investigation into their conduct during the Champions League win over Atlético Madrid. The investigation also involved Vinícius Júnior and Dani Ceballos. The stage is now set for a thrilling series of matches with high stakes for both Real Madrid and Barcelona.

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