Carlo Ancelotti admitted that Real Madrid had focused on targeting Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson during their 3-2 win in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash. The match saw City initially take a 2-1 lead, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland, while Kylian Mbappe had scored for Madrid.
However, with just two minutes remaining, things shifted dramatically. Late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg. Diaz’s equalizer came after a poor pass from Ederson, which allowed Madrid to launch an attack. Later, Ederson rushed out to challenge Vinicius Jr., who lobbed him, enabling Bellingham to score the winner. Ancelotti revealed that the team had deliberately sought to press high when Ederson had the ball, trying to force mistakes.
He also explained that when Ederson didn’t have the ball, they dropped to a mid-block, with the forwards coming inside and the midfielders avoiding pushing too high up the pitch. According to Ancelotti, Real Madrid wanted to create width, use their quality, and avoid being frustrated with long balls. In the end, he said, it all worked out for them.
On the other hand, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola defended his goalkeeper when asked about Ederson’s role in the goals. Guardiola acknowledged that Ederson had opted to play a long ball, which didn’t go well and led to Diaz’s goal. He noted that players make decisions in the moment, and sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t. He suggested that in the future, Ederson could make different decisions. Guardiola further reflected on the game, admitting that City’s performance had been tighter than they had expected. He also noted that Madrid had played well with the ball, something they had not always done in the past. Guardiola emphasized the importance of reflecting on the match and making adjustments for future games.
The second leg of the Champions League knockout tie will be held at the Santiago Bernabeu next week. Manchester City will need to overturn their one-goal deficit if they hope to keep their Champions League hopes alive. This result adds further tension to the ongoing battle between two of the most formidable teams in European football. Real Madrid will head into the second leg with an advantage but will need to stay focused to secure their place in the next round of the competition.
As the match unfolded, Real Madrid showed resilience, and their high pressing game, which targeted Ederson, was an essential part of their comeback. The match was an exciting spectacle that demonstrated the unpredictable nature of football, where games can change in a matter of minutes. Despite Manchester City’s strong start, Real Madrid capitalized on key moments and took advantage of errors, which allowed them to snatch the win. The tactical approach employed by Ancelotti seemed to pay off, and with two late goals, Madrid gained a crucial advantage in the tie.
Guardiola’s reaction to the defeat highlighted the pressure that both managers face when competing in such high-stakes matches. While he defended his goalkeeper, the City boss also acknowledged the need for improvement. His remarks suggested that the team’s recent form and results, including this defeat, had been frustrating. Guardiola’s comments reflected the fine margins that exist in top-level football, where even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
As for Real Madrid, their success in the game was built on a well-executed strategy that included pressuring Ederson, utilizing their attacking talent, and remaining composed in the face of adversity. The performance of players like Mbappe, Diaz, and Bellingham proved crucial in the result. Madrid’s attacking depth and ability to capitalize on mistakes showed why they are one of the most dangerous teams in European football.
Looking ahead to the second leg, both teams will be aware of the importance of the upcoming match. Manchester City will need to overcome the deficit, while Real Madrid will seek to build on their advantage and ensure they progress to the next stage of the competition. The two teams will no doubt continue to analyze and review their strategies in the build-up to the next encounter. The Champions League is always full of surprises, and the return leg promises to be another thrilling chapter in this knockout tie.
For both Ancelotti and Guardiola, the result of the second leg will have significant implications for their respective teams’ aspirations in the Champions League. Real Madrid, with their rich history in the competition, will be looking to take another step toward adding to their trophy collection, while Manchester City, despite their wealth of talent, will be eager to finally secure their first Champions League title. The game at the Bernabeu next week will be a decisive moment in this fascinating contest between two of Europe’s elite football clubs. Both managers will be hoping that their teams can execute their plans effectively and avoid making costly mistakes that could determine the outcome of the tie.
The performance of Ederson will likely be a talking point going into the second leg. His decision-making and ball distribution were questioned after the first leg, and it remains to be seen whether he can bounce back and help City in the return match. Goalkeepers often find themselves in the spotlight during high-profile games, and Ederson will need to remain mentally strong and focused if he is to play a key role in City’s efforts to recover the deficit.
At the same time, Ancelotti’s tactical approach and Madrid’s ability to exploit weaknesses in the City defense will also be under close scrutiny. Real Madrid’s experience and composure in big matches, combined with the quality of their attacking players, make them a formidable opponent. With a slight advantage going into the second leg, Madrid will be looking to seal their progression to the next round but will know that City is capable of staging a comeback. The pressure will be on both teams to perform, and the tie is far from decided.
The Champions League has lways been a stage where the world’s best players and managers showcase their skills, and this match between Real Madrid and Manchester City only further solidified the high level of competition. Both teams have a wealth of talent, and their clash promised to be a thrilling spectacle. As the second leg looms, the excitement surrounding the tie will only continue to build, and fans around the world will eagerly await what promises to be another exciting chapter in this high-stakes competition.
