With the clock ticking just past 11.30pm, UEFA representatives informed the written media that Carlo Ancelotti would not hold a post-match press conference and would instead simply pass through the mixed zone. . Yes, it’s late, but this is how Ancelotti did it.
A few minutes earlier, Josep Guardiola had spoken about how he felt his Manchester City team could not have done more to get past Real Madrid. “We played exceptionally in all departments,” he said. “They defended very deeply with incredible cohesion. We did everything. There are no regrets,” Guardiola stressed.
He was put under further pressure about Ancelotti and Madrid’s defensive approach. “I don’t want to criticize the way Madrid and Carlo decided to play and the way they thought,” he said. Above all, it was an expression of respect, not regret.
Ancelotti’s side got off to a great start and, while City were content to keep the ball in their own half, they were also comfortable in possession themselves. Their early goal was a perfect example of how they easily got past City.
But unforgivably, after the break, Madrid fell deeper and deeper as City’s onslaught continued. It was a one-way game, and after the tying goal, only one team really looked like they could win.
Real Madrid defeated Manchester City on penalties to advance to the Champions League semi-finals
Real Madrid’s defense, which withstood City’s onslaught, was not traditional.
A man-of-match display from third-choice keeper Andriy Lunin gave Madrid the confidence to win the shootout.
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“I can’t explain it. We started well, took the lead, and then we defended, struggled, and started to qualify. We tried to play differently, but when we took the lead, we dropped too many blocks. ” Ancelotti later admitted.
Still, his team did well with Andriy Lunin, Madrid’s third-choice goalkeeper for the season, producing a man-of-the-match performance.
Once in the dying stages, it felt like the 12th round of a heavyweight fight where the elite refuse to lose. Those who aim for victory. The other is content to simply survive.
As the penalty shootout unfolded, Ancelotti ran isolated up and down the touchline, away from the other players, in his own space, with his own thoughts.
Josep Guardiola’s side dominated against Madrid but couldn’t find a way to break through.
Carlo Ancelotti insists ‘sacrifice’ is the only way Madrid can beat City at the Etihad
As the players and backroom staff rushed towards Antonio Rudiger and Lunin after scoring the winning penalty, the Italian took momentary joy with two fist pumps in the air before shaking Guardiola’s hand. expressed.
“In the shootout we were confident that we would qualify. Andriy played a great game. I really like it when the team makes sacrifices, quality as well. This is the only way to win here. “It’s a method,” he said.
That’s really the only way to win here. Ancelotti knows. He watched his team capitulate against the Etihad in the semi-final less than a year ago and knew sacrifices were needed. Perhaps the blueprint for this “Don Carlo” smash and grab was set that night. This was not the traditional Madrid way. But perhaps that was the only way to give Madrid a chance.
“Our greatest strength is [Ancelotti] I found a way to let the boys play freely. “Other teams are set up with their own patterns of play, but we are very much off the mark at times,” claimed Bellingham. “I caught him yawning before the game and he said, ‘You’ve got to go and get me excited!'” That’s the calm he brings. ” Bellingham added.
Ancelotti’s side have eliminated Guardiola from the Champions League three times: in 2014, 2022 and 2024.
City learned from this ‘Don Carlo’ smash and grab that capitulated against City last year.
A great match awaits the Italian, his 10th Champions League semi-final. This time it’s a match against Bayern Munich’s other old team.
There will no doubt be criticism and possibly a fine for his decision not to participate in the press conference. But then again, there’s always been a guy who’s done it his way. And he was also very successful.
“Everyone thought we were dead, but no one can be. Real Madrid will never die,” the 64-year-old said cheerfully after the match.
So Ancelotti’s class and aura lives on, just like the class and aura of Real Madrid. He remains the only manager to win the European Cup four times. And it would not be surprising if that number rose to five at Wembley on June 1.
