Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his reigning European champions will stick with their attacking approach against Liverpool even without the injured Gareth Bale.
The absence of club record signing Bale has led to suggestions that the Spanish giants will take a more pragmatic approach to their Champions League clash at Anfield on Wednesday
But Ancelotti, who has won the European Cup three times as a manager and twice as a player, predicted an open encounter.
"I would like to think that our tactics, our system and our philosophy of football will be the same whether we are at home or away," Ancelotti said at a news conference on Tuesday.
"We tend to try to play with same competitive spirt. We try to control the ball and possession of the ball with the players we have," the Italian added.
"I think you will see everything that is good about football in this match.
"I think you will see a spectacular encounter and a game full of excellent football between two great sides. I think it's going to be high tempo, dynamic and we’ll try our best to get a result."
Ancelotti also confirmed Real will definitely to be without Bale for their meeting with 'El Clasico' against Barcelona at the Bernabeu this weekend.
"All I can tell you at this stage is that we are working had to get Gareth fit," added the former Chelsea boss.
"He obviously won’t be available to play against Liverpool and will not be available for Saturday’s game.
"Initially we didn't think it was anything too much to worry about, and his injury was just a slight strain because of overuse of a particular muscle.
"It was only after a scan we realised the situation with him, although I find it incredible I am being asked about injuries ahead of Saturday when we are here to focus on a game against Liverpool."
- Skilful Balotelli -
With Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge still ruled out with a calf injury, Brendan Rodgers will once again start with Mario Balotelli in attack.
The Italy international, 24, has endured a difficult start to his career with the Reds following his close season switch from AC Milan in August.
But Ancelotti believes his compatriot will reward the faith and investment that Rodgers and Liverpool have made in him.
"Mario's young, he has got desire and is very skilful," Ancelotti said. "He has had problems in the past but that is all behind him.
"When you arrive at a new club and you have to settle in with new players, a new culture, tactics, you have to show patience with these players.
"Of course I know Mario very well and I know what a quality player he is. I know we have to be careful and watch him at all times.
"But I am concerned about the whole team of Liverpool. I know they are dangerous and dynamic team in the transitions from defence to attack. It is the group we have to be concerned with not just individuals."
Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa knows all about Anfield's capacity to intimidate on European nights and revealed that even Cristiano Ronaldo -- who previously played for Liverpool's bitter rivals Manchester United -- has warned his team-mates to expect something unique.
Arbeloa, a member of the Liverpool team which humbled Real Madrid 4-0 in the last 16 of the Champions League in March 2009, returns to face his former club acutely aware of Anfield's ability to overawe players.
"Even Cristiano has mentioned this is the most difficult away ground from his time in the Premier League," Arbeloa said.
"It is tough to explain what it is like here. You have to experience it yourself. These big nights in the Champions League are special occasions.
"I have told my team-mates of the tremendous atmosphere. The supporters here will drive them forward. It is a special game for Liverpool."
Source: AFP