Real Madrid Boss Admits Facing Guardiola’s Side is a Daunting Task Despite City’s Struggles
Carlo Ancelotti has described preparing for Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff against Manchester City as a “nightmare,” as the two European giants gear up for a high-stakes clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. The Real Madrid manager admitted that facing Pep Guardiola’s side, even amid their domestic struggles, remains one of the toughest challenges in football.
The tie comes as a surprise to many, as both teams failed to finish in the top eight of the Champions League group stage, forcing them into an early playoff battle. Last season, Real Madrid knocked City out in the quarter-finals on penalties, despite being outplayed for much of the tie. Los Blancos went on to claim their 15th Champions League title, while Guardiola’s side were left to rue missed opportunities.
This season, however, the dynamics have shifted. Real Madrid are leading La Liga, narrowly ahead of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, while Manchester City are languishing in fifth place in the Premier League, struggling to replicate their usual dominance. Despite City’s inconsistent form, Ancelotti is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead.
“It seems like it’s a Clasico,” Ancelotti said in the build-up to the match. “Whether they are in form or not, City are one of the best teams in Europe. It’s always a headache facing City. They still have the best manager out there. It’s the most difficult game we can face, whether they are in form or not. If you’re not 100 per cent, you won’t get the result.”
Ancelotti also praised Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, calling it a “nightmare” to prepare for his innovative ideas. “They are the most important rival with the best manager. It’s a nightmare for me preparing against Pep because he always has ideas that make you think,” he added.
The Italian manager expressed surprise that the two teams are meeting in the playoff round, suggesting that such a clash would be more fitting for the semi-finals. “It surprises me we’re in a play-off. It’s our own fault, but it’s a little bit surprising we have to play this game when it could be a semi-final,” Ancelotti said.
Guardiola, meanwhile, acknowledged the threat posed by Real Madrid’s star-studded attack, including Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. “It’s impossible in 90 minutes to control these four players. Everyone knows it,” Guardiola said. “We have to reduce their involvement as much as possible, knowing it won’t always happen and accept that.”
The City boss also highlighted Real Madrid’s resilience this season, particularly in handling injuries and maintaining consistency. “Madrid handled it much better than us, top of La Liga. They have shown the consistency and in the tough moments they bring their best. We have to make two big games to go through,” Guardiola added.
With both teams battling injuries and inconsistent form, the tie promises to be a thrilling encounter. Ancelotti believes the winner could go on to lift the Champions League trophy, as has been the case in the last three seasons. “The team who passes this round has the possibility to go far in the competition. The last three years, whoever won this tie won the Champions League. Maybe it can happen this year as well,” he said.
As the football world eagerly awaits this heavyweight clash, one thing is certain: Tuesday night’s match will be a test of character, tactics, and resilience for both sides. Will Real Madrid’s European pedigree prevail, or can Manchester City overcome their struggles to keep their Champions League dreams alive? The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown.
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