Champions League: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side would prefer to avoid Manchester City in the Champions League playoff round, despite securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Brest on Wednesday.
Madrid, who missed out on automatic qualification to the Round of 16, will be seeded in the upcoming two-legged playoff in February, where they will face either Celtic or Manchester City.
Ancelotti’s Preference
Speaking after the match, Ancelotti acknowledged City’s strength: “We don’t like to play against City, but if we have to, we’ll do it like on other occasions. City have more chances to win the Champions League.”
He added: “It’s a draw, and what comes, comes. To win the Champions League, you have to win every game.”
Madrid’s Struggles in the League Phase
Despite their European pedigree, Madrid struggled early in the competition, losing three of their first five matches.
“We should have woken up earlier in this competition. Now it’s like this,” Ancelotti admitted.
Rodrygo’s Perspective
Forward Rodrygo, who scored a brace against Brest, also reflected on Madrid’s shortcomings: “Top eight was our objective, but we didn’t do well in some games. Now we have to keep improving.”
What’s Next?
The Champions League playoff draw takes place on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland, with Madrid hoping for a favorable outcome.