Ancelotti talks up Mbappe ahead of debut El Clasico

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has talked up Kylian Mbappe for his first Clasico match against Barcelona.

Speaking on Friday ahead of the high-stakes LaLiga showdown, Ancelotti praised Mbappe’s ability to rise to the occasion as Madrid seek to close a three-point gap with Barca at the top of the table.

Madrid enter the clash unbeaten in domestic competition, with a record of seven wins and three draws, setting up an intense face-off between Spain’s most famous teams.

Mbappe has netted six goals in nine league appearances since joining Madrid, yet his performances have received mixed reviews as he settles into the team.

During his press conference, Ancelotti said: “We’re satisfied.

“[Mbappe] has scored goals, he’s very important to the team… He’s looking for his best form. We aren’t in a hurry, and neither is he.

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“Obviously, he’ll do better, because he has all the qualities to do better..

“He has experience, he’s often played against Barcelona.

“He knows what he has to do … His way of preparing for a game is to be very calm, very straightforward.

“He believes a lot in his qualities. We’re confident that he’ll bring something to the team [on Saturday], and so is he.”

Both teams displayed dominant performances in their recent Champions League matches, with Madrid rallying from a 2-0 deficit to claim a 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona defeating Bayern Munich 4-1.

Ancelotti admitted his rivals are strong under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick.

He added: “They’re doing very well.

“In a game like the Clasico, like a derby, it’s hard to choose a favourite. But luckily, nobody’s made me lose sleep so far.”

Real Madrid will have to manage without forward Rodrygo, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, as well as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is dealing with an ongoing adductor issue.

Meanwhile, Barca have been boosted by the return of Gavi and the fine form of Raphinha, who netted a hat-trick in midweek.