Champions League: Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has showered praise on his team following their thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League knockout playoff on Tuesday night.
Despite falling behind twice, Los Blancos fought back with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz, before Jude Bellingham netted a dramatic late winner to hand the reigning champions a crucial advantage.
Ancelotti: “A Complete Performance”
Champions League: Ancelotti, who finally secured his first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium, commended his squad’s resilience and attacking intent.
“It was a complete game in all aspects, beyond criticism from my part. Everyone worked hard. We had a lot of chances. We didn’t give up when we were behind. It was a well-rounded, unblemished performance,” he told Movistar Plus.
Madrid outshot City 20 to 11, and despite conceding twice to Erling Haaland, Ancelotti insisted they fully deserved the victory.
“We defended well with a compact block. They took the lead with a penalty, but our attackers were very effective. We could have been more clinical, but the chances we created through movement, teamwork, and quality were fantastic.”
“The Job Isn’t Done Yet” – Ancelotti Cautions Against Complacency
Champions League: While the win puts Madrid in the driving seat ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Ancelotti has warned his players against complacency.
“The result is a tricky one. Winning can make you relax, thinking the job is done, but we must avoid that trap,” he stressed.
“We need the same focus, quality, and sacrifice in the second leg. The season truly starts now, and despite the difficulties of playing at such a tough venue, we earned a great result.
With the tie still wide open, Madrid will now shift focus to securing a semi-final spot when they welcome Pep Guardiola’s City for the return fixture.