Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s 3-3 draw against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. Despite falling behind early, Madrid managed to take the lead before City scored two stunning goals to go ahead. However, Fede Valverde’s thunderous volley ensured that the match ended in a thrilling draw.
Ancelotti described the match as “very even, competitive, and hard-fought”, highlighting the team’s resilience in coming back from an early setback. He praised Rodrygo for his performance on the left wing, where he scored a brace in the previous La Liga match. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of energy and pressure throughout the game to compete effectively against City.
The Italian coach rejected the notion that fatigue played a role in the team conceding goals, acknowledging that City’s quality in finishing from long range made it difficult to defend against them. Ancelotti remained optimistic about Madrid’s chances in the second leg, insisting on the need to maintain a positive attitude and competitive spirit. He believes that if the team replicates their performance in Manchester, they could achieve a positive result.
Rodrygo’s contribution on the left wing was praised by Ancelotti, who highlighted the understanding between the Brazilian winger and Vinicius in creating chances for the team. The coach expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance overall and stressed the importance of continuing to create opportunities in the second leg. Ancelotti’s message to the team was to build on the positives from the first leg and approach the return fixture with confidence and determination.
Looking ahead to the second leg, Ancelotti reiterated the importance of maintaining a competitive attitude and seeking to gain an advantage in Manchester. Despite the challenges posed by City, the coach believes that Madrid can replicate their performance from the first leg and potentially secure a positive outcome. Ancelotti’s emphasis on maintaining a high level of energy and pressure throughout the match suggests that Madrid will be looking to unsettle City and capitalize on any opportunities that arise.
