Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, is adamant about one thing: “In three days, everything can change.” This 2021 quote still rings true today.
As Real Madrid heads into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Manchester City with a 2-3 advantage from the first leg, there are lingering doubts. Recently, Madrid has only earned two points out of the last nine in La Liga, causing their lead over Atlético Madrid and Barcelona to dwindle.
The 2015 Memory: A Crucial Lesson Against Schalke
Ancelotti, experienced in managing expectations, has reminded his players of a key match from his first spell at the club. In 2015, Madrid entered the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-0 advantage over Schalke. However, despite the strong first-leg result, Madrid suffered a shocking 3-4 defeat in the second leg. That elimination, marked by a poor home performance, is a memory that still haunts Ancelotti.
The Italian coach understands how challenging it is to protect a lead, especially since Madrid has faced similar struggles in recent years. In the 2017-18 season, the team won 0-3 at Juventus but struggled in the return leg. In 2021-22, after winning 1-3 in the first leg against Chelsea, Madrid nearly faced elimination after Chelsea’s 0-3 second-leg comeback, only for Rodrygo and Benzema to save them.
The Need for Caution: Avoiding Overconfidence
Ancelotti, recognizing the importance of caution, has used these past experiences to warn his players about the dangers of overconfidence. “We won’t go far like this,” he stated after the Schalke disaster in 2015, a lesson that still holds. Real Madrid must remain focused, avoid complacency, and ensure they progress to the quarterfinals without taking anything for granted.
The return leg at the Bernabéu will be another opportunity for Ancelotti to apply these lessons. He knows that the Champions League is always unpredictable, and this match will be no different. For Madrid, the key will be to stay composed and remember that in football, things can change in an instant.
