Carlo Ancelotti has already identified the team that Real Madrid hopes to avoid in this season’s Champions League as we approach the final round of fixtures.
Los Blancos clinched the competition for a record 15th time last season, defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.
However, Real has struggled in Europe this season, facing defeats to AC Milan and Liverpool before bouncing back with consecutive victories over Atalanta and Red Bull Salzburg. ..Continue Reading
Their most recent result, a 5-1 thrashing of Salzburg at the Santiago Bernabeu, propelled them to 16th place in the Champions League with 12 points.
Although Real’s European campaign has been far from smooth, they have secured at least a spot in the play-off round.
Teams ranked first to eighth avoid a play-off, while those between ninth and 24th must compete in a two-legged tie.
Teams placed between 25th and 26th will be eliminated, and there is a real possibility that 2023 winners Manchester City could face this fate.
Pep Guardiola’s side is currently 25th, just one place away from the final play-off spot, after squandering a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
City initially led through goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland, but PSG turned the game around with strikes from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves, and Goncalo Ramos.
Having not won in their last four Champions League matches, City now must defeat Club Brugge in a crucial final fixture at the Etihad Stadium to avoid elimination.
Ancelotti was questioned about City’s predicament and expressed his hope that they are knocked out of the tournament.
Speaking in a press conference, the Italian said: “They are one of the candidates to win the Champions League again and it would be good news if they fail to qualify.”
City have accumulated eight points from seven matches and boast a better goal difference compared to their next opponents, who are three points ahead.
However, the Belgian team will be a tough challenge, as they are currently on a 19-game unbeaten streak since their loss to AC Milan in October.
