Carlo Ancelotti Says Madrid Can Win Or Lose Against Man City

Real Madrid players celebrate the game against Manchester City. (X/@realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid picked up a disappointing result against Manchester City in the first match of the Champions League quarter-finals. But coach Carlo Ancelotti admits Madrid can win or lose the big match which ended in a 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Madrid fell behind through Bernardo Silva's quick goal when the game had only been running for two minutes. But Madrid were able to turn things around and lead 2-1.

However, Madrid then wasted a number of chances in the second half. Even Pep Guardiola's men were able to catch up and turn 3-2 ahead through Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol.

Luckily there was Federico Valverde who saved Los Merengues. He scored the third goal which equalized the score to 3-3. And, Valverde became the last goal scorer in that match

Ancelotti said Madrid actually had a chance to win, especially if they added a goal when they were 2-1 up. But Man City were able to break the hosts' attack before scoring two goals.

"This is a match that should have been won because we had the opportunity to change the score to 3-1," said Ancelotti.

"But when the score turns to 3-2 [For Man City's advantage], we could lose. If we don't have confidence, then we will lose," he said.

"We did have a satisfying match. Even though the game was a draw and competitive, we could still press the opponent. We had a chance to win but they managed to score two impressive goals. In the end, the match was a draw," said the former Chelsea and AC Milan coach added.

Madrid played their second quarter-final match at Man City's home at the Etihad Stadium, Thursday, April 18, 2024 in the morning WIB. The match will be the determination of both teams. Because away goals are no longer taken into account, the winning team that qualified for the semifinals,

Ancelotti is optimistic that Madrid will pass the second match and successfully qualify. The former Juventus coach has also prepared a strategy when the team lost Aurelien Tchouameni due to card accumulation.

Tchouameni, who was placed as a center-back in the match, received a yellow card for a foul on Jack Grealish.

"We have an option. Tchouameni can be replaced by Nacho or [Eder] Militao," said Ancelotti.

Not only the back sector was in the spotlight due to player injuries and added absence of Tchouameni. Jude Bellingham's fitness was also questioned.

Bellingham's performance has decreased after defending the England national team. He was most likely rested when Madrid faced Mallorca in the Spanish La Liga competition.