Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti explained his use of substitutions against Manchester City, revealing what he had told players on the eve of the game: ‘Those who finish the match are more important than those starting.’
Riyad Mahrez had put City up 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) at minute 73 in the second leg of the Champions League semis in Madrid, but the Merengues scored twice through Rodrygo in the stoppages before Karim Benzema completed the job from the spot in extra time. The La Liga champions will face Liverpool in the Final on May 28. “It will be a great Final, we are happy to be there,” Ancelotti told Prime Video Italia.
“Not many believed we could make it, but the players believed in it more than anyone else.
“In this stadium, a spark is enough. PSG know something about it, Chelsea as well. It’s the magic of this stadium, the sense of belonging of these players, and their quality.”
Ancelotti reacted calmly to every Madrid goal, even the second one of the night for Rodrygo, who helped Madrid go to extra time.
Real Madrid vs. Man City: how Ancelotti reacted to Rodrygo’s second goal – image
“When there’s a game, that’s the only thing I am focused on, trying to do the best I can. It’s very satisfying to coach this team,” said Ancelotti.
The Madrid boss was highly praised for his use of substitutions by Prime Video’s pundits Clarence Seedorf, Patrice Evra and Claudio Marchisio. Ancelotti had introduced Rodrygo in the second half, same as Marco Asensio and Eduardo Camavinga. The French starlet replaced Luka Modric and was also pivotal to Madrid’s comeback.
“I preferred to change something. Kross, Casemiro and Modric played a great game, but energy is fundamental when the match is open and there are no more tactics,” explained the ex-Milan coach.
“I told the players yesterday that those who finish the game are more important than those starting and all of them [substitutes] did well. Jesus Vallejo has managed ten minutes this season, but he played five minutes tonight and won all headers.”
Ancelotti has become the first coach to reach the Champions League Final five times. He holds the record for the most victories in the competition, along with Zizou Zidane and Bob Paisley (three each).
Ancelotti looking to make history against Liverpool in Champions League Final