The two top European sides are set to resume their rivalry in the knockout stage, with the first leg taking place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.
This encounter has become a modern European ‘Clasico’ due to the frequent meetings between the teams in the later stages of the competition over the past three seasons. Notably, in every instance, the victorious team has gone on to lift the Champions League trophy.
Despite Manchester City’s occasional inconsistency this season, Ancelotti remains cautious of the threat posed by Pep Guardiola’s side. The Italian coach, who has won the Champions League five times as a manager, still considers Guardiola the best coach in world football and anticipates a tough challenge due to his tactical expertise.
“It’s always a challenge to face Manchester City,” Ancelotti acknowledged during his pre-match press conference. “It will be a tough, unpredictable game. Much will depend on the teams’ attitude and confidence. It’s such a high-level match that you must be at your best in every aspect.”
The Real Madrid manager likened their encounters with City to a new version of the European Clasico, given how often they have met in key Champions League matches. “It feels like a ‘Clasico’ because we’ve played each other so many times in this competition,” he said. “It’s the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form.”
Last season, Manchester City eliminated Real Madrid in the semi-finals with a dominant 5-1 aggregate win, including a 4-0 victory at the Etihad. However, Madrid avenged their 2020 exit by dramatically knocking City out in 2022, with a memorable comeback led by Rodrygo. Ancelotti knows that even the slightest mistake could prove costly in such a closely matched game.
“They are one of the best teams in Europe, and they have the best coach out there,” he said. “It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has strategies that make you think. I’m convinced that the team that advances from this tie will go on to win the competition.”
Real Madrid’s preparations for this crucial match have been far from ideal. Los Blancos have seen their La Liga lead slip after dropping points in their last two matches, and they are dealing with a defensive injury crisis, with several key players unavailable.
Lucas Vázquez has joined an already lengthy injury list that includes Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal. With so many defenders sidelined, Ancelotti faces a tough task in organizing a defense strong enough to withstand City’s relentless attack.
“I believe we can be competitive despite the emergency situation,” Ancelotti said confidently, expressing trust in his team’s adaptability. Real Madrid’s resilience has often been one of their strongest traits, and they will need all of it to navigate this high-stakes encounter.
