Ancelotti: "This Match Could Have Been a Champions League Semi-Final or Final"

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the first-leg clash against neighbors Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 was of such high quality it felt more like a decisive knockout tie. Los Blancos emerged 2-1 winners at the Santiago Bernabéu, but Ancelotti insists there is everything to play for in the return leg.

“It’s a very balanced matchup,” Ancelotti told reporters. “It’s only the Round of 16, but by level alone, it could easily have been a UEFA Champions League semi-final or final. Atletico Madrid are one of the top sides in Europe; nobody expected everything to be decided in the first match. We’ve taken a small advantage that gives us confidence for the second leg.”

Asked about his forwards, especially after Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz shone while Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe struggled to find their usual spark, Ancelotti was quick to defend his star attackers:

“No, I don’t see it as their worst game. Facing Atletico Madrid—especially their defense—is never straightforward, right? We created plenty of chances; near the end, they also had an opportunity that could have gone differently. Both of them worked hard for the team. Sure, they didn’t show off their full technical ability, but they’ll have another chance in the next match.”

When asked about Brahim Diaz, who often steps in when Jude Bellingham is unavailable or there’s a gap in attack, Ancelotti underscored the midfielder’s importance:

“No, it’s not true he’ll just go back to the bench when Bellingham returns. He gives a lot to the team—both last season and now. You can’t say he’s an undisputed starter, but you can’t say he’s only a backup either. He makes the most of every minute I give him. For us, he’s extremely important.”

Diego Simeone noted in his press conference that both Vinicius and Mbappe diligently tracked back to help Real Madrid defensively:

“We discussed our defensive organization in advance, and both Vinicius and Mbappe stayed compact with the rest of the team. When everyone is well-organized, it allows our central midfielders to stay closer to the defense and help more effectively.”

Another standout performance came from Federico Valverde, who put in a tireless 81-minute shift, leading Ancelotti to praise the Uruguayan’s relentless work rate:

“I’ve run out of words for him. He gave everything he had—tremendous effort. Yes, he was exhausted, but it was just fatigue and nothing more. He’s happy to be back on the pitch helping the team, and I’ve got nothing else to add.”

On the question of set pieces—which have been crucial to Real Madrid’s success in the three Champions League titles won under Ancelotti—the Italian admitted it’s tougher to replicate past effectiveness without the likes of Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema in prime roles:

“Indeed, in previous years we benefited from Toni’s fantastic deliveries and from Karim’s attacking prowess. It’s a bit more challenging now. We’ve still managed a few goals from set pieces—like Federico Valverde from distance. We’re working on it, exploring new ways and routines.”

Finally, Ancelotti addressed queries about Kylian Mbappe’s recent struggles, confirming that the forward’s only significant hindrance was a dental issue:

“Yes, just a toothache. He couldn’t train properly for three days; the pain was that bad. He was fine for the match against Real Betis, but after that game he needed a short rest. Today’s appearance should help him regain his form, and I expect him to be at his best in the next match.”

Real Madrid now turn their attention to the return leg against Atletico Madrid, where they’ll aim to protect their narrow advantage and continue their push for another deep run in the Champions League.