Man City against Real Madrid like a Clásico – Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti said Manchester City against Real Madrid “feels like one Clásico Now the teams are preparing to meet in the Champions League in the fourth season in a row and to support the winner of the Ties in order to “go far into the competition”.

In recent years, City and Madrid have met in the semi -finals or quarter -finals of the Champions League – with Madrid in 2022 and 2024 and in 2023 – this time against the knockout phase playoff.

City will be fighting in the first leg in the Etihad Stadium this season -they are fifth in the Premier League -while Madrid has to do with an injury crisis despite the leading laliga in which they withdraw the high -ranking defenders Dani Carvajal, Éder became Militão, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba.

“It feels like one Clásico Now because we have been playing them for many years, “said Ancelotti on Monday in his press conference before the game in Manchester.” I still think that City is one of the best teams in Europe. City has the best trainer (Pep Guardiola) in this competition. It is one of the most difficult games you can have … and the same applies to us, we are competitive, despite the emergency that we are exposed. “

In 2022, Madrid City defeated a total of 6: 5 in the semi-finals of the Champions League and won a dramatic second leg with 3: 1 in Santiago Bernabéu, all three goals that occurred in the additional time in the quarterfinals 2024 was a penalty shot A penalty shot had to separate the teams.

Madrid won the Champions League on both occasions, and City triumphed after removing Madrid in 2023.

“It is the most difficult rival, the most important rival and the best manager,” said Ancelotti. “The team that goes through the next round has the opportunity to go far in competition. In recent years, the team that has won this draw has won the Champions League.”

Ancelotti said the city of Guardiola was “always headache”.

“He is a trainer who always tries to bring something new to his team,” said Ancelotti. “He has a lot for football in terms of possession, the press, the play done from behind. He is an innovator. I have a lot of respect for him … it is always a nightmare that prepares for the game.”

In 2022, striker Rodrygo played when the two teams met and scored twice in a minute to see Madrid’s progress.

“I spoke to the game against City for two or three days (midfielder) Fede Valverde,” said Rodrygo.

“I asked him if we would ever feel these emotions again. It was the special night of my career … Sometimes I was happy to play against (city), sometimes not so much. I’m in good shape and me can be determined.