In Paris, Real Madrid won the Champions League for the fourteenth time, and Ancelotti became the first coach to do so
Carlo Ancelotti thinks Liverpool’s record-breaking 14th Champions League title run provided Real Madrid with the easiest tactical advantage possible.
Real came back to defeat Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the tournament, and they did it again to knock Manchester City out of the semi-finals. In the championship game, they held off Liverpool’s early assault, containing Jurgen Klopp’s squad, and then defending Vinicius Jr.’s lone goal to win the trophy. When Liverpool managed to penetrate Real’s resolute defense, Thibaut Courtois’ outstanding individual performance kept them at bay.
After the game, Ancelotti stated that Liverpool was easier to beat than City in the previous round, and he detailed the tactical differences between the top two Premier League teams.
“In retrospect, many people have said things like, ‘Oh, PSG was unlucky, Chelsea was unlucky, Manchester City was unlucky,'”He continued, saying.
“This was the only game where everyone thought we were on the same level.” I believe it helped because Liverpool were easier to decipher than the others due to their distinct identity, and we were able to prepare accordingly.
We knew what strategy to use: don’t let them run into space behind the defense.” Our football wasn’t particularly pretty tonight, but playing out from the back to encourage their pressing wasn’t a great idea.
“We had a couple of more long balls, and when their push in our side of the field weakened, we were able to gain greater control of the ball, especially in the second half.”
Real won their 14th Champions League title, and Ancelotti set a new record by winning his fourth, praising his team’s fans and insisting they deserved to win yet another European Cup.
“We suffered a lot,” he said, “more at the start, better in the second half.” Based on all of the games we played, I believe we deserved to win the championship in the end.
“I think we had a pretty difficult game every game, and the fans really helped us out, especially last game [against City] and tonight.” What can I say but that we are overjoyed. “I’m afraid I am at a loss for words.”
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