RALF RANGNICK has warned Cristiano Ronaldo he faces a rough reception and a bruising encounter on his return to Madrid.
The Manchester United star enjoyed the best days of his career at Real Madrid, where he won four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and two La Liga titles between 2009-2018.
So he will be public enemy No 1 at cross-town rivals Atletico when they host United in tomorrow’s first leg, last-16 Champions League clash.
Red Devils boss Rangnick said: “Mentally, we need to be prepared for an emotional and hostile atmosphere in the stadium.
“And we know that some of our players will not be received with the red carpet.”
Atleti gaffer Diego Simeone has turned them into LaLiga champions with a robust and physical style of play.
Rangnick said: “I’ve always admired what he’s done at Atletico and I’m looking forward to these two games.
“We need to match the emotions and energy in both games and I will try to prepare our team for that challenge.”
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Consecutive Prem wins over Brighton and Leeds have boosted fourth-placed United’s Champions League qualification hopes for next season.
And Rangnick denies any suggestion their current European run has the potential to derail their push in England’s top flight.
He said: “The Champions League can never be a distraction, it’s why the teams are desperate to qualify for it! How can it be a distraction?
“This is why we’re working for this club, we want to play in the Champions League and are up against one of the best teams in Europe.”
On uncertainty over plans to host the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg due to military tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Rangnick added: “What happens is for Uefa and some politicians to decide.
“We all hope things deescalate, nobody could be interested in war in Europe. This is more important than the Champions League.”
