Manchester United manager Carlo Ancelotti has described his upcoming Champions League tie against Manchester City as “a Clásico now” and backed the winner to “go far in the competition”. This season, both teams face off for the fourth time in the knockout phase playoff.
City, struggling this season, are fifth in the Premier League, while Madrid deal with an injury crisis that has seen them lose senior defenders Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba. Ancelotti expressed respect for City manager Pep Guardiola, describing him as “the best coach” in this competition.
In previous years, the teams have met in Champions League semifinals or quarterfinals, with Madrid emerging victorious in 2022 and 2024, and City in 2023. The 2022 tie saw a dramatic second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, while the 2024 quarterfinals required a penalty shootout to separate the teams.
Madrid went on to win both times, with City triumphing after eliminating Madrid in 2023. Ancelotti warned that facing Guardiola’s City is “always a headache”, praising his innovative tactics and possession-based playing style.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43782271/ucl-real-madrid-manchester-city-clasico-ancelotti