Carlo Ancelotti has set a new record in the European Cup with the most wins as a coach, achieving 116 victories following Real Madrid's 3-0 win over Braga. Spanning 21 editions of the competition, Ancelotti's triumphs span eight different teams: Milan (42 wins), Real Madrid (40), Chelsea (10), Bayern Munich (7), PSG (6), Napoli (5), Parma (4), and Juventus (2). He stands out as the only manager to win the European Cup four times (2003, 2007, 2014, and 2022) across 201 games, surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson's 115 wins and further cementing his legendary status in the tournament. The Italian spoke to the press in the media room at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid's win over Braga that sealed them a place in the Champions League Round of 16.
The coach praised the players and the team play and once again told the media how special this competition is for Real Madrid. He underlined: "Real Madrid have done better than the rest in this competition. It's not at all easy to come through the Group Stage every single time, we've played really well in these first four games, home and away. We're delighted to be in the Round of 16. It's a special competition for us and Real Madrid has built its history here. Every game feels special and we won't take it easy in the next two because we always have the same demands: to give it our very best."
Praise for Brahim: “His performance showcased his tremendous quality and the sacrifices he makes defensively. He did a fantastic job. The position he played today is usually occupied by Bellingham and he replaced him brilliantly. Perhaps I have been a little unfair on him. It's obvious he could have played more often. His best position is the one he played in today."
Most wins in the European Cup as coach: “It's a real honour to reach that number of victories in this competition."
Vini Jr.'s performance: “There was a few doubts around him in the first half because he could have been more effective but he was spectacular in the second. What he and Rodrygo did after the break, we'll have to look at it closely because they delivered some unbelievable link-up play. There aren't many duos who could pull off that counter attack like they did."
Arda Güler: “We're being careful with him. He's training with the group after a long time out and he'll get his game time when he's back to 100%."
Kepa's injury: “He felt some discomfort in the warm-up and didn't feel fit enough to play. we put Lunin in and he helped us win the game. He made a key stop from the penalty and his all-round display was fantastic. That just shows, alongside Brahim and Lucas Vázquez, how good this squad is, and it underlines the fact we can fight in every competition."
Rodrygo: “There are forwards who score in every game and there are those who go through spells. All you can do is support them and give them confidence. A player with his attributes is always going to score sooner or later because he has unbelievable quality. It was a matter of time. I'm the coach and I take the role of the coach. The players must understand that. I am doing the job of a coach, the players should not be confused in that sense. I put a player on the bench, not a person. I have a fantastic relationship with all of them. They have great respect for me and I try and respect all of them as people."
Piqué's comments: “He lives in his world, which isn't related to madridismo, but I can assure him there won't be a single madridista who forgets the Decimocuarta. It's a Champions League that will live long in the memory."
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