Real Madrid’s Coach Ancelotti Issues Warning Ahead of 500th European Match

Real Madrid is determined to avoid a defeat in their 500th European match, especially against their city rivals. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a stern warning to his team ahead of the Champions League first leg against Atlético Madrid.

“If we play like this, we will not win on Tuesday, that is clear,” said the highly decorated Italian coach following the disappointing 1-2 loss in the Spanish league against Real Betis. The team is struggling ahead of the home match against Diego Simeone’s Atlético, scheduled for 21:00 (DAZN).

The defeat against Betis is painful, not only for the loss but also for the slide in the league standings. Instead of being tied for second place behind fierce rivals FC Barcelona, Real Madrid now finds itself in third place, with Atlético surpassing them and holding a two-point lead, while Barcelona is ahead by three points.

When asked whether winning the Spanish championship or the Champions League was more achievable, Simeone avoided a direct answer. “I understand the question, but I am focusing on tomorrow’s game,” said the Argentine coach. He acknowledged Real Madrid’s remarkable history in the Champions League but also noted the “great opportunity” for his team. The two capital rivals have drawn both league matches this season 1-1.

“Hopefully, this defeat will wake us up and teach us a lesson,” Ancelotti said after the loss in Seville. Spanish sports newspaper AS reported, “Ancelotti is hitting the table.” Marca echoed concerns over the team’s sluggishness following the disappointing performance in Andalusia. Ancelotti will be without the suspended Jude Bellingham for the match against Atlético.

It is clear that if the titleholders face an early exit in the round of 16, discussions about Ancelotti’s future are likely to intensify. His team, which missed out on direct qualification, will first play at home in the Santiago Bernabéu, with the return leg scheduled for next Wednesday at the Estadio Metropolitano.