Real Madrid enter this season’s competition as the reigning champions, having secured a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2023/24 final in June.
However, Los Blancos faced a challenging group stage this term, winning five out of their eight games in the new format. ..Continue Reading
They experienced back-to-back losses to AC Milan and Liverpool, and also suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Ligue 1 side Lille.
As a result, they only managed to qualify for the Champions League play-off round stage, where they are set to face 2023 champions Manchester City in a two-legged tie.
The first leg concluded with a 3-2 victory for Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, and Ancelotti confidently asserted in his pre-match press conference that there are only two teams in the competition this season that could potentially win it.
“I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition,” he stated.
“It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams.”
The Italian added: “It seems like a ‘Clasico’ because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition. It’s the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form.
“They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there [Pep Guardiola]. It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”
His choice to overlook Liverpool, who won seven out of eight group stage matches, and even El Clasico rivals Barcelona, who recorded six wins, one draw, and one loss, might surprise fans given their strong performances.
However, Real Madrid remain the undeniable kings of Europe, having claimed the Champions League trophy a record 15 times.
Ancelotti has secured the trophy three times with Real and twice with AC Milan, and he aims to add a sixth title to his collection by the end of this season.
Despite having another year left on his contract, there have been reports suggesting that the Italian is contemplating stepping down from his position this summer.
But back in November, Ancelotti appeared to make his feelings clear on his future by telling France Football (via Marca): “Before stopping, I would like to win a new Champions League. And then another. Every coach wants to get to the top.
“But coaching Real Madrid is really… this club is special. It is the best in the world. Because of its history, its atmosphere, its fans. And so the goal was to, one day, be in that place.”
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