Carlo Ancelotti reveals who he expects to win this year’s Champions League

Carlo Ancelotti has made a daring forecast ahead of Real Madrid’s eagerly awaited Champions League match against Manchester City, suggesting that the team that wins this encounter is likely to go on to claim the title. The two top European teams are set to rekindle their rivalry in the knockout stage, with the first leg scheduled for Tuesday night at the Etihad Stadium.

This match has become a modern European ‘Clasico’ due to the frequency of their meetings in the later rounds of the competition over the past three seasons. Notably, in each instance, the victorious team has gone on to lift the Champions League trophy.

Even though Manchester City has shown some inconsistency this season, Ancelotti remains cautious about the threat posed by Pep Guardiola’s team. The Italian coach, who has lifted the Champions League five times as a manager, still regards Guardiola as the best manager in world football and anticipates a tough challenge due to his tactical brilliance.

“It’s always a headache to face Manchester City,” Ancelotti admitted during his pre-match press conference. “It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams. It’s such a high-level game that you have to be at your best in every aspect.”

The Real Madrid manager compared their clashes with City to a new form of European Clasico, considering how often they have met in crucial Champions League matches. “It seems like it’s a ‘Clasico’ because we have played each other so many times in this competition,” he said. “It’s the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form.”

Manchester City knocked Real Madrid out in the semi-finals last season, securing a commanding 5-1 aggregate win, including a 4-0 triumph at the Etihad. However, Madrid exacted revenge for their 2020 exit by dramatically eliminating City in 2022, with a memorable comeback led by Rodrygo. Ancelotti knows that even the smallest slip-up could be costly in such a finely balanced match.

“They are one of the best teams in Europe, and they have the best manager out there,” he stated. “It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think. I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition.”

Real Madrid’s preparation for this pivotal match has not been ideal. Los Blancos have seen their lead in La Liga diminish after dropping points in their last two matches. Additionally, they are facing a defensive injury crisis, with several important players unavailable.

Lucas Vázquez has been added to an already extensive injury list, which includes Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal. With so many defenders sidelined, Ancelotti faces a challenging task in creating a defense capable of withstanding City’s relentless attack.

“I think we can be competitive despite the emergency we have,” Ancelotti confidently stated, showing faith in his team’s adaptability. Real Madrid’s resilience has often been one of their greatest strengths, and they will need all of it to navigate this high-pressure encounter.