The Italian Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, led his team to a 3-2 victory against traditional rival Barcelona on Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, in the 32nd round of La Liga. Real Madrid is now just steps away from officially securing the La Liga title, shortly after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, having ousted the defending champion Manchester City.
Despite his remarkable successes, a significant segment of fans views Ancelotti as a "lucky coach," while others believe he lacks flexibility. This sentiment intensified after winning on penalties against City, which dominated the return leg match. Ancelotti defended himself following the European clash, stating that a defensive approach was the only way to overcome the English team. French football legend Thierry Henry also stated that Real Madrid was better than City, considering that people overlook the fact that defense is part of football tactics, not just attack. Even Xavi Hernández, the head coach of Barcelona, confirmed that the Merengues do not achieve all these victories by luck.
Clear Evidence
Ancelotti's intelligence and management skills have been particularly evident this season. Since the beginning, Real Madrid has faced several injuries to key players, primarily the Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Although the Italian coach did not initially trust the abilities of Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrii Lunin, he gave him the opportunity after the injury to new signing Kepa, allowing him to make the most of it and gain full confidence, becoming a key player for the Merengues.
Despite injuries to prominent defenders like Éder Militão and David Alaba, Ancelotti did not use this as an excuse for failure, especially with no winter transfer window signings for reinforcement. Instead of simply complaining, Ancelotti sought a new defensive combination, even deploying right-back Dani Carvajal as a central defender, the same position that midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni filled, while another midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga, played as a left-back.
In midfield, Ancelotti brought out the best version of Brahim Díaz, despite him being a substitute, and Luka Modrić, who is in the last seasons of his career with the team, became a vital solution at many moments. Offensively, the seasoned coach restored confidence in Rodrygo Goes, who has become a goal machine.
Despite being knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid won the Supercopa de España last January and is now very close to the La Liga title, along with making steady progress in the Champions League—achievements greatly influenced by Ancelotti's experience and tactical capabilities.
Against Manchester City, Ancelotti learned from last season's lessons, not exposing his team to the penetrations of the English players, successfully implementing a tight defensive plan that led the team to the semi-finals. If the former AC Milan and Bayern Munich coach succeeds in securing the Champions League title, the 15th in Real Madrid's history, it will be a remarkable addition to his historical career.
