Carlo Ancelotti has made a bold prediction ahead of Real Madrid’s much-anticipated Champions League showdown with Manchester City, stating that the winner of this fixture is likely to go on and claim the trophy.
The two European giants are set to renew their rivalry in the knockout phase, with the first leg taking place on Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium.
This encounter has evolved into a modern-day European ‘Clasico’ due to the frequency of their meetings in the latter stages of the competition in recent years.
Interestingly, in the past three seasons, the team that emerged victorious from this tie has gone on to win the Champions League.
Although Manchester City has displayed some inconsistency this season, Ancelotti remains wary of the threat posed by Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The Italian coach, who has an unmatched record of five Champions League titles as a manager, still considers Guardiola to be the best coach in world football.
He expects a difficult challenge, primarily because of the tactical ingenuity of his counterpart.
“It’s never easy to face Manchester City,” Ancelotti admitted in his pre-match press conference.
“This will be a tough game, one that is hard to predict.
A lot will depend on the confidence and attitude of both teams.
When playing at this level, you must be at your absolute best in every aspect.”
The Real Madrid boss compared their repeated clashes with City to a new kind of European Clasico, highlighting how frequently they have crossed paths in decisive Champions League matches.
“It feels like a ‘Clasico’ now because we have met so many times in this tournament,” he remarked.
“It’s the most challenging match we could face, no matter the form of either team.”
Last season, City eliminated Real Madrid in the semi-finals with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory, which included a dominant 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Madrid had previously avenged their 2020 exit by dramatically knocking City out in 2022, thanks to a stunning late comeback orchestrated by Rodrygo.
Given how closely matched the two teams are, Ancelotti understands that even the smallest mistake could prove costly.
“They are one of the strongest teams in Europe, and they have the best coach in the world,” he stated.
“Preparing to face Guardiola’s teams is always a challenge because he constantly comes up with new ideas that force you to rethink your approach.
I am convinced that whichever team progresses from this tie will go on to win the tournament.”
Real Madrid’s preparations for this crucial fixture have been far from ideal.
Their lead in La Liga has shrunk after failing to secure victories in their last two matches.
Moreover, they are dealing with a defensive injury crisis, which could significantly impact their performance against City’s relentless attacking force.
Lucas Vázquez has joined an already lengthy injury list that includes key defenders such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal.
With so many defensive options unavailable, Ancelotti faces a significant challenge in assembling a backline capable of resisting City’s aggressive attacking play.
Despite these setbacks, the Madrid manager remains optimistic about his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“I believe we can still be competitive despite our injury concerns,” he confidently asserted, expressing trust in his team’s resilience.
Over the years, Real Madrid has built a reputation for rising to the occasion, and they will need to summon all their strength to navigate this high-stakes encounter.
