In a post-match analysis, Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, didn’t hold back from acknowledging the thrilling spectacle that unfolded during their encounter with Manchester City. However, amidst the excitement, he couldn’t help but express some reservations about his team’s performance. Ancelotti eloquently summed up the match as a captivating advertisement for football, attributing its quality to the sheer talent displayed by both sides.
While Real Madrid showcased moments of dominance, Ancelotti couldn’t shake off the disappointment of conceding two goals that were executed with remarkable precision, finding the top corner of the net. Despite this setback, Ancelotti maintained a sense of equanimity, deeming the final outcome—a draw—fair, and drawing solace from his team’s ability to hold their ground against formidable opposition. Yet, lingering in his thoughts were the missed opportunities, particularly when the scoreline stood at 2-1.
Looking back at their history, Ancelotti couldn’t ignore the bitter memory of Real Madrid’s previous encounter with Manchester City in the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League semi-final. It ended in anguish for Los Blancos, as they succumbed to a crushing 5-1 aggregate defeat, allowing City to march on and secure the coveted treble.