For the fifth time in six seasons, Manchester City and Real Madrid face each other in the knockout stage of the Champions League. Can we now call it a Clásico? "They are the best opponent with the best coach," said Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his pre-match press conference that the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid is beginning to feel like a Clásico.
Over the past few seasons, the two clubs have established one of the fiercest rivalries in European football, facing each other repeatedly in high-stakes knockout rounds. "It does indeed seem like a Clásico," the Italian coach said on the eve of the first leg. "We have faced each other many times in this competition. It will depend on the attitude and confidence of both teams. In a match at this level, you have to be at your best in every aspect. They are the best opponent with the best coach."
This sentiment reflects the magnitude of the encounter. Real Madrid and Manchester City, two of the most dominant forces in modern football, have clashed frequently in the Champions League, producing unforgettable moments, dramatic comebacks, and elite-level tactical battles. From City’s semi-final triumph last season to Madrid’s stunning comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2022, this fixture has delivered some of the most iconic matches in recent history.
The two European giants will meet once again in the Champions League knockout stage on Wednesday at 21:00, with the first leg taking place at the Etihad Stadium. While both teams boast immense quality and rich history, this tie holds even greater significance due to the stakes involved. For Real Madrid, reclaiming the Champions League title is always the ultimate objective, while City, the reigning European champions, are determined to defend their crown and further cement their dominance under Guardiola.
Ancelotti, who has won the competition multiple times, understands the weight of this encounter. He stated that the winner of the two-legged tie has a strong chance of going far in the Champions League, perhaps even lifting the trophy. In his view, City's recent struggles in the Premier League do not change that. "This is the toughest match you can get, regardless of the form both teams are in," Ancelotti explained. He emphasized that at this stage of the competition, previous results mean little—what truly matters is who performs better across 180 minutes of elite football.
One of the biggest challenges for Real Madrid will be overcoming the tactical complexity of facing Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager, renowned for his intricate tactical setups, has evolved Manchester City into one of the most fluid and dominant teams in the world. Ancelotti did not hide his admiration for his coaching counterpart, acknowledging the difficulties of preparing for such a well-drilled and unpredictable side. "It’s a nightmare to prepare for because his ideas always make you think. He has always aimed to play attractive football and has made a huge contribution to the game. He is an innovator and will always remain one," Ancelotti stated.
Guardiola’s City are known for their versatility, adapting their approach based on the opponent and game situation. Their ability to control possession, switch formations, and create overloads in key areas makes them one of the most difficult teams to counter. Ancelotti and his staff have been meticulously analyzing City’s tendencies, looking for potential weaknesses, but the Real Madrid boss admitted that even the best-laid plans can be undone by Guardiola’s unpredictability. "You can prepare all you want, but in the end, it comes down to execution on the pitch. Against a team like City, there is no margin for error."
While Madrid boast their own tactical brilliance and Champions League pedigree, they will enter the first leg with significant squad concerns. Ancelotti faces his own tactical challenges, as Real Madrid’s injury list continues to grow. After already losing Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez also joined the sidelines during the derby against Atlético Madrid. The mounting defensive absences have forced Ancelotti into an emergency reshuffle.
As a result, Federico Valverde is expected to start as a right-back, a role he has occasionally filled in the past, while Fran García could be deployed in midfield. That means Raúl Asencio and Aurélien Tchouaméni will form the central defensive partnership a makeshift backline against one of the most potent attacking teams in world football. It is a daunting prospect, but Ancelotti remains confident that his squad has the mentality and quality to compete at the highest level.
Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti remains optimistic heading into the crucial clash at the Etihad Stadium. "Despite the injury crisis, I believe we can be competitive," the experienced coach assured. His belief is rooted in Real Madrid’s history of thriving under pressure, particularly in the Champions League, where they have repeatedly defied the odds. Madrid’s ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest nights is well documented, and Ancelotti is banking on that resilience once again.
On the other side, Manchester City will be eager to capitalize on Madrid’s weakened defense and assert their dominance early. With Erling Haaland leading the attack, supported by the creative brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden, City possess an array of weapons capable of dismantling any opponent. Their home form has been exceptional, and Guardiola will be keen for his side to take a commanding lead before the second leg in Spain.
The Etihad Stadium is set to witness another classic European showdown as two footballing giants collide in what promises to be a thrilling and intense battle. The first leg of this high-stakes encounter kicks off on Tuesday at 21:00, with both teams looking to take a decisive step toward the semi-finals. With so much history between them and everything on the line, this latest chapter in the Manchester City vs. Real Madrid rivalry could be one of the most memorable yet.
