Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was left in tears by his side’s “magic” Champions League semi-final comeback victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.
Rodrygo Goes netted twice in the final minute of the match for the Spanish giants as Pep Guardiola’s side capitulated in the closing stages to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Karim Benzema’s penalty in extra-time sealed the progress for the Spanish giants after City had led 5-3 on aggregate going into the final minute of regulation time.
It was another stunning comeback from Los Blancos – who enjoyed similar revivals from the dead against both Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the knockout stages – to ensure that Ancelotti became the first manager to reach five Champions League finals, having become the first coach to win each of Europe’s top five leagues.
Ancelotti – normally so calm, cool and collected on the sidelines – was left visibly emotional by his side’s sensational comeback, which ensured his side booked a Champions League final spot against Liverpool in Paris.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Ancelotti said: “I cannot say we are used to living this kind of night, but this sort of night happened against PSG and Chelsea too. It is really difficult to say why these games happen, perhaps the history of this club helps us in these moments when it seems like the game is gone.
“The magic of the Bernabeu is true because the game was almost over and we tried to find our last reserves of energy against a really strong rival. Psychologically we were stronger in extra time because of how it happened. I had no time to think about us losing the game, Man City had a good control of the game but in the last opportunity we were able to go to extra time.
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“Liverpool? A fantastic, unbelievable challenge. I am really happy to be there against another great rival and we are used to this. It will be a fantastic game for football.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Spanish TV station Movistar after the game: “Can I explain that match in one word? Real Madrid. Did we believe we could do it? Well, not really because we weren't playing well in front of goal, we missed key passes in the final third. Sometimes it doesn't come off, but that goal, that moment, the fans... and they also know what we can do. They knew that everything could happen."
Madrid have beaten Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City on the way to the final: "We have eliminated very big teams, who have spent a lot of money to try to win a Champions League and the path we have taken, beating PSG, Chelsea and today is more impressive because they were all in the final minutes.
"The final? I think that when you reach a final everyone has the desire, if you win four it is fantastic but if you win five you are more of a legend. If Madrid goes to a final then they are going to win it."
