Carlo Ancelotti hopes Real Madrid can avoid Manchester City in the Champions League knockout stage after finishing 11th in their group. Despite a 3-0 win over Brest, the defending champions now face a play-off. Ancelotti and Rodrygo reflect on missed opportunities and aim to improve.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed a preference for avoiding Manchester City in the upcoming Champions League knockout round, acknowledging that the defending champions are a stronger opponent than Celtic. Despite a 3-0 win over Brest, Madrid's position in the standings forced them into the play-offs instead of automatically progressing to the last 16. Rodrygo’s brace and Jude Bellingham’s goal secured the victory, but results in other matches meant that Los Blancos finished 11th in their group.
Ancelotti, who has previously led Madrid to three Champions League titles, including two in his second stint, reflected on his team’s slow start to the competition, stating that they should have performed better earlier on. Madrid’s failure to secure a top-eight finish leaves them facing either Manchester City or Celtic in the next stage. Despite the challenge, Ancelotti remained pragmatic, emphasizing that to win the Champions League, Madrid must be prepared to face the best teams. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed these sentiments, stating that every game is crucial in their quest to reclaim the title.
Rodrygo, acknowledging the team's missed opportunities, emphasized that Madrid must continue improving to meet their objectives. The draw for the knockout stages will take place in Nyon on Friday, with Ancelotti’s side hopeful they can avoid a City rematch after eliminating them in the past two seasons.
