Jan 10 (Reuters) - Real Madrid are still struggling to get back to peak fitness after the domestic season was paused for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday. The Italian is preparing his side for their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Valencia in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday but has to rouse his players after they lost 2-1 to Villarreal in LaLiga at the weekend. Ancelotti said that he is trying to make adjustments accordingly due to the unique experience of having a mid-season World Cup. After holders Real meet Valencia on Wednesday, Barcelona face Real Betis on Thursday to fight it out for the other spot in Sunday's final. Last year Real Madrid defeated the previous year's champions Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the final to win their second title in three years.

Source: Egypt Today January 11, 2023 07:39 UTC