Real Madrid Survives To Solve Revenge, Ancelotti: It's Just Defeating Man City

Real Madrid players celebrate victory on penalties over Manchester City in the Champions League. (X/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid settled a grudge over last season's defeat while eliminating Manchester City 4-3 (1-1) on penalties and qualifying for the semifinals of the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the team defended more because it was the only way to beat Man City.

Ancelotti did not care about having to forget the philosophy of attacking Real Madrid in a duel at the Etihad Stadium, Thursday, April 18, 2024 in the morning WIB. In fact, he did not even question that Madrid had a lot of pressure and their possession was only 33%.

Man City, who was ahead of the position ball, fired 33 shots into the net. Compare it to Madrid, who only fired eight shots into the net.

When Madrid took the lead through Rodrygo's goal, they immediately put up a defensive strategy. Only that strategy was finally cleared by midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in the 76th minute which equalized the score to 1-1.

Despite conceding, Los Merengues did not change the defensive strategy. When the match ended and continued with the extra time round, Madri still chose to strengthen the defense.

This strategy did work because striker Erling Haaland did not move again. Man City manager Pep Guardiola was frustrated because his players created many chances but no one could convert them into goals.

During the penalty shootout, Madrid started with the failure of Luka Modric's execution which made Ancelotti wary. This Italian coach seemed nervous and could only breathe a sigh of relief after Antonio Ruediger as the last kicker to complete the execution.

Ancelotti was satisfied to be able to settle his grudge last season when he was beaten by Man City 4-0. He said he was proud of the players who were willing to sacrifice by playing defensive football.

"I like this team because they give everything and are willing to make sacrifices for this big game," said Ancelotti, who revealed that only solid defense could beat Man City at Etihad.

"I'm sure there's no other way to beat Man City at their home. I'm proud players can do it," he said.

"During the penalty shootout, we were very confident that we would qualify. Hard work, sacrifice and finally win. We defended very well. This is indeed a matter of how to survive until the end. Frankly Madrid are actually based on fighting. But in this situation there seems to be no way out. So we have to find a way [to qualify]," he said.

Meanwhile, midfielder Federico Valverde said Man City played better. They are also a better team than Madrid.

"It must be admitted that the opponent is better off and plays better. But we are Real Madrid. We show our faces. Even though we didn't play well, we still fought. We finished our job well until our target was achieved," said Valverde.

"Only this match is tiring. We can no longer catch the ball. But at such a time hard work and suffering suffering must be lived," he said.

Qualifying for the semifinals, Madrid meets an opponent who is no less tough, Bayern Munich.

The German Bundesliga club, once curated by Ancelotti, advanced to the top four after eliminating Arsenal. In another semifinal, Borussia Dortmund met representatives of Ligue 1 France, Paris Saint-Germain.