Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made a significant prediction regarding this season’s UEFA Champions League winner. Ahead of Los Blancos’ crucial knockout play-off tie against Manchester City, the veteran coach confidently stated that the victor of this highly anticipated clash will go on to lift the coveted trophy.
The two European giants are no strangers to one another, having met in multiple Champions League knockout rounds over the past few years. With both clubs accounting for the last three tournament victories, Ancelotti believes the winner of this tie is destined for ultimate glory.
The upcoming fixture at the Etihad Stadium marks the fifth time in recent history that these two teams have crossed paths in the knockout stage. Their duels have become a defining rivalry in modern European football:
2019/20 Round of 16 – Manchester City emerged victorious over two legs.
2021/22 Semi-finals – Real Madrid orchestrated a historic comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu and went on to win the Champions League.
2022/23 Semi-finals – City avenged their prior defeat with a dominant second-leg performance before securing their first-ever Champions League title.
2023/24 Quarter-finals – Madrid advanced on penalties after a tightly contested battle.
With history on the line once again, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of the encounter and the quality of the opposition.
Speaking to the media before the match, Ancelotti made it clear that he views Manchester City as the toughest opponent in the competition:
“It is always a headache to face Manchester City. It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams. It’s such a high-level game you have to be at your best in every aspect.”
He also compared the fixture to a‘Champions League Clasico‘, noting how frequently these two teams have met in crucial stages of the tournament:
“It seems like it’s a ‘Clasico’ because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition. It’s the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form. They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there. It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”
Finally, Ancelotti made his biggest statement of all:
“I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition.”
Real Madrid & Man City met in last season’s quarter-finals / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Implications for Other European Giants
Ancelotti’s assertion effectively dismisses the chances of other top contenders such as Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. While bookmakers may see some of these teams as strong candidates for Champions League success, the Italian tactician is backing either Real Madrid or Manchester City to go all the way.
Recent Dominance: The last three winners of the competition have come from these two clubs.
Elite Tactical Minds: Ancelotti and Guardiola are two of the most accomplished managers in football history.
Star Power: With players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Erling Haaland, and Kevin De Bruyne, both squads boast world-class talent capable of deciding any match.
Champions Mentality: Madrid’s rich European pedigree and City’s hunger for sustained success make them prime candidates for another Champions League title.
Final Thoughts: A Battle of Titans
With a spot in the Champions League round of 16 at stake, the Real Madrid vs Manchester City clash is more than just another knockout tie—it could define the trajectory of the entire tournament. Ancelotti’s belief that the winner of this fixture will go on to win the competition only adds to the intensity of the matchup.
As fans eagerly await kick-off, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in this thrilling European rivalry.
