'One of the best teams...' - Carlo Ancelotti heaps praises for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City

Manchester City has secured only eight victories in their last 23 matches across all competitions. However, Madrid's manager emphasized that current form becomes irrelevant in this prominent European rivalry of the era. Ancelotti also contends that the victor will likely be favored to claim the title in the final scheduled for May in Munich, with either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen awaiting in the last 16.

The Italian manager heaped praises for Pep Guardiola 

The Italian emphasized that playing against Manchester City feels like El Classico. He pointed out that regardless of their current form, City remains one of the top teams in Europe, presenting a significant challenge for any opponent. Ancelotti acknowledged that City has one of the best managers in the game, making this encounter one of the toughest that Madrid could face, regardless of their own form.

"I maintain that City is one of the best in Europe, with the best coach in the competition at the moment, and it is the toughest match we could face. If you’re not at 100%, you won’t win," Ancelotti said.

"He has contributed immensely to football in terms of attacking play, possession, pressing, and building from the back. He has been and continues to be an innovator in the game, I have a great deal of respect for him, as I always consider him one of the best, if not the best. Each time we meet, it’s a nightmare to prepare because he always has ideas that make you rethink everything," Carlo added.

Real Madrid and Manchester City's legendary rivalry 

In recent seasons, the matchup between Real Madrid and Manchester City has emerged as a highlight in European football. Last year's semi-final encounter was especially unforgettable, featuring a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid ultimately secured their spot in the final with a tense 1-1 draw in the return leg on penalties.

In the 2022-2023 season, a fierce encounter resulted in a 1-1 draw in Madrid, but City claimed a 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium, securing their first Champions League trophy against Inter Milan in Istanbul. The teams also clashed during the 2021-2022 semi-finals, where City won 4-3 at home, yet they were ultimately eliminated after a 3-1 defeat at Bernabeu.

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