Carlo Ancelotti Thrilled for Another Showdown with Familiar Foe Diego Simeone in the Champions League

As Real Madrid gears up to face Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated Spanish capital derby for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his eagerness for yet another tactical showdown with his counterpart, Diego Simeone.

With this being their 27th encounter, Ancelotti and Simeone have squared off more than any other managerial rivalry in their careers, maintaining an even record with nine wins apiece and eight draws.

While Real Madrid holds a formidable reputation in the Champions League, having triumphed in all four of their previous encounters over the last 11 seasons, including notable victories in the 2014 and 2016 finals, recent results tell a different tale.

In the previous year, Atletico dealt Real Madrid their only two losses during an otherwise stellar 2023/24 campaign, where they clinched both the LaLiga and Champions League titles.

Real have managed just one win in their last seven clashes with their city rivals, with that sole win coming in a 5-3 victory during extra time in the 2024 Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia over a year ago.

This rivalry is one that Ancelotti and Simeone know well, having faced each other previously in Italy’s Serie A.

“My earliest memory of him is as a player with Lazio, when he scored against Juventus in a crucial match for the league title. Lazio won, and they claimed the championship; I believe that was in 2000,” Ancelotti recounted at a press conference on Monday.

“As a coach, I have immense respect for him. He’s an outstanding manager who has taken Atletico to impressive heights in Europe.”

“I appreciate his tactical acumen, the way he sets up his teams, and the defensive commitment his players exhibit. These are qualities I admire greatly.”

Ancelotti has also clarified that his side will avoid slipping into overconfidence from their past successes, as they aim for an unprecedented 16th European Cup and their seventh title in 12 seasons.

“This tie is going to be tightly contested and will likely be decided in the second leg. Our focus for tomorrow is to play well and gain an advantage,” Ancelotti stated.

“The match will be intense and competitive, as is characteristic of a Madrid derby. It’s an emotionally charged encounter, and the pressure that comes with such a rivalry is palpable.”