Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed Pep Guardiola’s claim that Manchester City have only a “one per cent” chance of advancing to the Champions League last 16, suggesting the City boss is deliberately playing down his team’s chances.
Holders Real Madrid take a narrow 3-2 lead into Wednesday’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, with City struggling domestically, sitting fourth in the Premier League. However, after his side’s dominant 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, Guardiola insisted his team had minimal hope of eliminating the 15-time European champions.
“He does not truly think that,” Ancelotti responded in his pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow, I’ll ask him before the game—do you really think you’ve got a one percent chance? He really thinks they’ve got more than that.”
The Italian coach emphasized that Madrid’s advantage was slight and that his team must replicate their strong first-leg performance to secure qualification.
Ancelotti also confirmed Antonio Rudiger is fit to start, though Lucas Vazquez will only be available from the bench. He further voiced his frustration with Spanish refereeing after recent controversial decisions in La Liga, stating he prefers the officiating in the Champions League due to fewer VAR interventions and higher-quality referees.
Meanwhile, Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde defended Jude Bellingham, who was sent off for dissent in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna. “Jude is a player who shows character, who always wants to win, who always wants to fight,” Valverde said. “This time he got a red card, but I like that he’s giving everything.”
With both teams eyeing a place in the last 16, Wednesday’s showdown at the Bernabeu promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
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