Carlo Ancelotti has said he’s taking the game against Mallorca seriously, as Real Madrid play Mallorca before playing Manchester City away at the Etihad Stadium.

On playing Mallorca, Ancelotti said: “It will be a tough game, as ever, they will fight hard.

“We’re up against a very committed team who have shown an incredible attitude as a unit. We’re expecting an intense game and we have to try and match the things the opposition do superbly well, which is their collective commitment.”

Mallorca were beaten in the cup final to Athletic Club last time out.

On their defeat, Ancelotti added: “I’m not sure how the Copa final defeat will affect Mallorca. I doubt it will have too much influence because they have a big challenge, which is to ensure their survival as soon as possible.

“For us, it’s a key game in trying to win the league as quickly as we can.”

On facing Manchester City afterwards, Ancelotti said: “I have my opinions, as everyone will. The good thing about football is that there’s no university. Each person can have an opinion, but there are no exams.

“If I take a medical exam, they’ll tell me: go and study and come back in September. In football, everyone is free to make their own assessments of a game.”