Carlo Ancelotti expressed his relief after Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, securing their place in the Champions League last 16.
Kylian Mbappe stole the show with a hat-trick, prompting Ancelotti to compare the French forward’s potential to that of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He has the quality to reach Cristiano’s numbers, but he has to work hard because Ronaldo set the bar very high,” Ancelotti said. “Mbappe was outstanding, but the collective effort of the team made the difference.”
Madrid’s slow start to the campaign forced them into the knockout playoff round, but Ancelotti remains optimistic as they await a draw against either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid.
“Having to play extra games wasn’t ideal, but now the real season begins. There’s no time to rest,” he added.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola admitted his side fell short, acknowledging Madrid were the superior team over both legs. “The better team won. This has been our worst year in the competition,” Guardiola told Spanish TV station Movistar.
City, knocked out by Madrid for the third time in four seasons, struggled with injuries as Erling Haaland remained sidelined with a knee issue and John Stones was forced off early.
Their lone goal came from January signing Nico Gonzalez after Omar Marmoush’s free-kick hit the crossbar.
Guardiola believes a rebuild is necessary, pointing to City’s £170 million mid-season investment in new signings. “Nothing lasts forever. This group has dominated in England, but change is inevitable,” he said.
Despite City’s dominance in the Premier League, Guardiola acknowledged Madrid’s evolution under Ancelotti.
“This is the best Madrid we’ve faced. They can dominate possession, defend high or deep, and adapt to any situation. They deserve credit,” he concluded.
