As Carlo Ancelotti prepares to face Pep Guardiola in the UEFA Champions League for the seventh time since 2021, the Italian coach considers the strategic difficulties presented by his Manchester City rival. With two victories, three ties, and one defeat against the Catalan strategist, the duel has historically favored Guardiola.
The match between Real Madrid and Manchester City has become a fixture of note in European football in recent seasons. Madrid secured their spot in the final with a thrilling 1-1 draw in the return leg, prevailing 4-3 on penalties, after the teams played to an exciting 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu in last season’s semi-final match.
Another fierce match ended in a 1-1 draw in Madrid during the 2022–2023 season, followed by a crushing 4-0 loss for Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, which allowed City to win their first Champions League trophy against Inter Milan in Istanbul. The teams also played each other in the 2021–2022 semi-finals, with City winning 4–3 at home but losing 3–1 in Spain after extra time to be eliminated.
Ancelotti admits the weight of memories that resurface when facing Guardiola as he gets ready for the crucial match on Tuesday night. Even though City is still the current champions, Ancelotti feels that they are not as strong as they previously were.
“I believe Manchester City is among the top teams in Europe, that they currently have the finest coach in the league, and that this is the most difficult game we could play. “You won’t win if you’re not at your best,” Ancelotti said at a press conference. The Italian knows that in this tactical matchup with Guardiola, whom he admires, he needs to plan properly.
“He has made significant contributions to football in the areas of possession, pressing, attacking play, and back-row building. Ancelotti acknowledged the “nightmare” that comes with training for a game against Guardiola, saying, “He has been and continues to be an innovator in the game.” “I always think of him as one of the best, if not the best, and I have a lot of respect for him. He always has ideas that make you reconsider everything, so getting ready for our meetings is a nightmare.
