Santiago Bernabeu produced another night as Ancelotti’s men once again proved that they just love this competition by defeating Guardiola’s City with an unbelievable comeback! Not only they have made epic comebacks during the knockout stage, but they have done this against the top teams which were the contenders of this Champions League Edition.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he expressed his delight at Real Madrid reaching the Champions League final: “It’s not so easy to explain. When everyone thought the game was finished it came down to just one fine detail, a good combination and a goal by Rodrygo. We put all our energy into it. You need a bit of luck to win these types of games though”.
“The opposition were strong. The game was very complete and the team didn’t give up. After Manchester City scored it became much more difficult, but we were committed. We were lucky and had the energy. The changes helped. The players gave everything because it was such an intense game. We pressed well high up and City played the way they always play, but it worked out well”, he added.
Key points in the comeback: “Something strange has happened. We had a wonderful night. We played against a really strong team. Teams that at the beginning of the season were tipped to win the Champions League, like PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. Now we're up against another team. A lot of the credit goes to these players, to the fans that drive us on, not only inside the stadium but also the days before; the importance of this shirt and the history of this club. We’re proud to be part of this club”.
Liverpool in the final: “I’m delighted to be involved in another final against a great team in Liverpool. I played against them as a player and as a manager I faced Liverpool in 2005, in 2007 and I was in Liverpool for two years. For me it is like a derby because I still am Everton fan”.
“These players never let their heads drop, it’s something special here. The players have done a great job and I never stop thanking them for all they have done and continue to do. Rodrygo comes on and scores two goals. Vallejo plays five minutes and wins every ball in the air. Ceballos and Asensio put a shift in. That shouldn’t go unnoticed. Nobody thought we’d be in the Champions League final this year, but here we are”.
The future of the team: “For 70 minutes, Casemiro, Kroos and Modric did a fantastic job pressing high up and they struggled towards the end. That’s why I took them off because I wanted a bit more energy on the pitch. Real Madrid’s future is in good hands. Behind those three are young lads with tremendous quality”.
Psychological element: “In extra-time the psychological element was absolutely key. City really dropped off and with Rodrygo’s second goal we found more and more energy. All we had to do was manage it and defend well because we had the psychological advantage”.
Evenly-matched final: “I know Klopp very well. We’ve crossed paths many times and I have the utmost respect for him, his coaching staff and his teams. I have immense respect for him, it’s going to be a fantastic final between two teams with different attributes. It will be a very closely-fought final”.
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