Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Luka Modric will return for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester City.

Modric had been sidelined by injury, but has recovered for Tuesday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain.

“Luka can play without problem,” said Ancelotti. He is going to play.

“We want to play a complete game, to give the best we have. The decisive leg will be over there. We want to go with an advantage.

“We want to play well. It is not only about the result, but how we play and if we avoid problems. It will be very demanding.”

Real Madrid and Manchester City met in last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finals, too. City have since acquired Norwegian star Erling Haaland but lost Brazilian Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal.

“The team is more complete than last year. Gabriel Jesus was very dangerous but different to Haaland. The style is the same but they can now take advantage more of long balls and second options,” added Ancelotti.

“Haaland is very dangerous. We have to watch him, and it is not just him. They play very good football and we have to work to stop a team that seems unstoppable.

“But we have options. We arrive here well, at the same level as last season. What matters is our motivation and winning the cup was a bonus.”