European Leagues

Madrid ‘lacked courage’ against City, says Ancelotti before rematch

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday his team played without courage or personality when Manchester City knocked them out of the Champions League last season, ahead of another showdown with the English champions.

Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s semi-finals and Ancelotti called on his players to show more mental strength this time around.

Record 14-time winners Madrid host reigning champions City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday in a mouthwatering quarter-final first leg clash.

“We played without courage, without personality — courage and personality are fundamental in this type of game, we lacked them in the second leg,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

After a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital Madrid crumbled to a bruising 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Ancelotti said his players have to be mentally strong against City but admitted he was nervous before the game.

“The important thing is to be at our best, the mental aspect is very important,” continued Ancelotti.

“In terms of courage and personality, we’ve had time to prepare for the game, we’ve prepared very well, and I am confident that we will give our best and we’ve got the quality to compete.”

Despite having won the competition four times, twice with AC Milan and twice with Madrid, more than any other manager, Ancelotti admitted his own tension before the clash.

“(I’m) very nervous, before a game on a personal level it’s all suffering,” said the coach.

“Defeat is suffering and victory is relief, not happiness… suffering and stress keep you alive, it’s gasoline for me.”

Last season Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger kept Erling Haaland and his team-mates relatively quiet in the first leg but Ancelotti did not start the German in the Etihad thrashing.

“(The first leg) was a good game and we stopped Haaland getting passes,” Rudiger told reporters.

“The coach didn’t apologise (for dropping me) and doesn’t need to, I accept it, even though it was hard to accept.

Madrid ‘lacked courage’ against City, says Ancelotti before rematch
8th April 2024
Carlo-Ancelotti-

Carlo Ancelotti
By
Makua Ubanagu

Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s semi-finals and Ancelotti called on his players to show more mental strength this time around.

Record 14-time winners Madrid host reigning champions City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday in a mouthwatering quarter-final first leg clash.

“We played without courage, without personality — courage and personality are fundamental in this type of game, we lacked them in the second leg,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

After a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital Madrid crumbled to a bruising 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Ancelotti said his players have to be mentally strong against City but admitted he was nervous before the game.

“The important thing is to be at our best, the mental aspect is very important,” continued Ancelotti.

“In terms of courage and personality, we’ve had time to prepare for the game, we’ve prepared very well, and I am confident that we will give our best and we’ve got the quality to compete.”

Despite having won the competition four times, twice with AC Milan and twice with Madrid, more than any other manager, Ancelotti admitted his own tension before the clash.
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“(I’m) very nervous, before a game on a personal level it’s all suffering,” said the coach.

“Defeat is suffering and victory is relief, not happiness… suffering and stress keep you alive, it’s gasoline for me.”

Last season Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger kept Erling Haaland and his team-mates relatively quiet in the first leg but Ancelotti did not start the German in the Etihad thrashing.

“(The first leg) was a good game and we stopped Haaland getting passes,” Rudiger told reporters.

“The coach didn’t apologise (for dropping me) and doesn’t need to, I accept it, even though it was hard to accept.

“Now for this game the plan is to try and control dangerous players like Phil Foden, (Kevin) De Bruyne and, of course, Haaland.”

Rudiger said he would treat the battle against the Norwegian hitman as if it was personal.

“It’s about the team, but I will take that duel as if it’s personal, as a defensive player against a super striker like Haaland,” he added.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.