Carlo Ancelotti, the seasoned manager of Real Madrid, recently shared his insights ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League playoff match against Manchester City, dubbing the clash as a modern-day Clásico. This encounter marks the fourth consecutive season that these two football powerhouses will face off in European competition, setting the stage for an intense battle that promises to captivate fans worldwide.
In previous years, both City and Madrid have crossed paths in the later stages of the Champions League, with Madrid emerging victorious in 2022 and 2024, while City claimed the upper hand in 2023. This time around, fate has brought them together in the knockout phase playoff, following somewhat lackluster performances in the current European campaign.
As the first leg looms at the Etihad Stadium, City finds themselves in a somewhat precarious position, languishing in fifth place in the Premier League. Conversely, Madrid, despite leading LaLiga, is grappling with an injury crisis that has sidelined key defensive players such as Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba.
Ancelotti, a seasoned tactician with a wealth of experience, likened the upcoming showdown to a Clásico, emphasizing the significance of this fixture in the context of their long-standing rivalry. “It feels like a Clásico now, because we’ve played them now for many years,” Ancelotti remarked during a pre-match press conference in Manchester. The Italian maestro also acknowledged City’s formidable reputation, highlighting Pep Guardiola’s prowess as one of the top coaches in European competition.
Reflecting on their past encounters, Ancelotti underscored the competitive nature of the matches and the pivotal role they play in shaping the Champions League landscape. With both teams vying for dominance, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of this tie, noting that the victor stands a strong chance of making a deep run in the competition. “The team that goes through to the next round has the possibility to go far in the competition. In the last years, the team that won this tie, won the Champions League,” Ancelotti stated.
In discussing Guardiola’s tactical acumen, Ancelotti lauded the Catalan coach’s innovative approach to the game, acknowledging the challenges that come with facing City. “He’s a coach who always tries to bring something new to his team,” Ancelotti noted. “He’s done a lot for football in terms of possession, pressing, playing out from the back. He’s an innovator. I have a lot of respect for him … It’s always a nightmare preparing for the game.”
Looking back at their previous encounters, Ancelotti reminisced about the thrilling matches and the emotional rollercoaster they brought. Forward Rodrygo, who played a pivotal role in Madrid’s victory over City in 2022, shared his sentiments about the upcoming clash. “I was talking two or three days to Fede Valverde, about the game against City,” Rodrygo revealed. “I asked him if we’d ever feel that emotion again. It was the most special night of my career … Sometimes I’ve been happy playing against [City], other times not so much. I’m in good form and I can be decisive. But I try to be decisive in every game, not just against City.”
As the football world eagerly awaits the showdown between these European giants, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that promises to deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that will resonate with fans for years to come.
