Manchester, England — Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has defended the club’s decision to boycott last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony ahead of their Champions League playoff match against Manchester City. The Spanish giants opted not to attend the event, held in October, after Vinicius Júnior was overlooked for the prestigious award, which was won by Manchester City’s Rodri Hernández. Ancelotti emphasized that the decision was rooted in the club’s belief that Vinicius was deserving of the honor. “We didn’t want to participate because we believed Vinicius should have won the Ballon d’Or,” Ancelotti explained. “That doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri, but we felt Vinicius should have won it last year, not this year.” The Italian manager’s comments highlight the strong conviction within the club regarding Vinicius’s exceptional performance over the past season.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, was quick to downplay any lingering tensions between the two clubs. “There’s no resentment toward them,” Guardiola stated. “Rodri won the Ballon d’Or, and I’m happy for him. Vinicius also had an extraordinary year and deserves recognition. It’s similar to how things were in the past when (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo competed for the award. The issue is closed as far as I’m concerned.” Guardiola’s comments reflect a sense of mutual respect and admiration for the talent on both sides, emphasizing that the rivalry between the teams is about football rather than personal grievances. Similarly, Manchester City defender Ruben Dias brushed off any notion of disrespect, stating, “Honestly, I haven’t spent even a second thinking about whether it was disrespectful or not. I was happy for Rodri. I was there, and I celebrated with him that night.” Dias’s remarks suggest that the focus for City remains on their achievements and preparations for the upcoming match.
The rivalry between Manchester City and Real Madrid has grown into one of the most intense in the Champions League in recent years. This season marks the fourth consecutive year the two powerhouses have faced off in the competition, and the winner of their previous encounters has gone on to lift the trophy. Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge posed by Manchester City, calling them “probably the toughest opponent of all” and praising Guardiola as “the toughest coach to face.” He added, “The team that advances will have a great chance of going very far in the competition, as has happened in recent years.” The stakes are high, and the encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans.
Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, have bolstered their attack with the addition of Kylian Mbappé, who has already made a significant impact. The French World Cup winner has scored nine goals in his last eight games, showcasing his world-class ability. Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted that it’s unrealistic to expect Manchester City to completely neutralize Real Madrid’s offensive threats, which also include Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. “It’s impossible to control their attack for 90 minutes, 180 minutes, or however long this tie lasts,” Guardiola said. “Everyone knows they’re exceptional. We have to reduce their involvement as much as possible, but they will have their moments, and we have to accept that.” Guardiola’s candid assessment underscores the difficulty of containing a lineup brimming with talent.
Both teams have endured challenging journeys to this stage of the competition, particularly due to the new Champions League format. Manchester City navigated the final round of matches in the 36-team group stage with the pressure of needing a win to secure their place in the playoffs. Real Madrid, on the other hand, finished 11th in their group, narrowly avoiding elimination. Despite the obstacles, Guardiola remained optimistic about his team’s chances. “This season has been a struggle, but of course, it would be great to continue for the club and the prestige of winning this competition,” he said. “In the past, we were always there, week after week, but this season, I’m not as sure.” Guardiola’s remarks reflect the unpredictability of the new format and the challenges it has posed for even the most elite teams.
As the two footballing giants prepare to clash, the match promises to be a clash of titans, with both sides boasting incredible talent and a deep desire to claim victory. The rivalry between Manchester City and Real Madrid has become a defining feature of modern Champions League history, and this encounter will only add to the legacy. For fans, the prospect of witnessing such a high-stakes showdown is exhilarating, and for the players and coaches, the opportunity to prove their worth on the biggest stage is a motivating force. With so much at stake, the world will be watching as these two football powerhouses battle it out for a place in the next round and a step closer to continental glory.
