Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti advanced to the Champions League final for the sixth time, bettering his own coaching record. With Real Madrid, a third final match awaits him after triumphs in 2014 and 2022. He led AC Milan to victory in the competition twice in 2003 and 2007, meanwhile, in 2005 he failed to reach the final with them.
“It’s happened again. It’s happened so many times it’s hard to explain now” Ancelotti told reporters after Real’s 2-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday. “It was done again thanks to the fans who drive us. Thanks to the stadium which helps, thanks to the fantastic atmosphere and the players who never stop believing that they can do it. It is something magical, there is no explanation for it.” described the sixty-four-year-old Italian.
With his sixth participation in the final, he jumped ahead of other coaching legends. Pep Guardiola, Alex Ferguson, Miguel Munoz and Marcello Lippi were in the final four times with their teams. With four triumphs, Ancelotti is also the record holder of the competition among coaches.
After a 2-2 away draw, Real lost 0-1 in the return leg, but substitute Joselu scored two goals at the end of the game and sent the 14-time winner of the elite European competition to the next final.
“He’s a player who has helped us a lot this season even though he hasn’t played that much. He’s a perfect reflection of what’s in this team. There are players who have a lot to contribute and don’t lose confidence (if they’re not playing) and belief that they have something to offer. “ Ancelotti enjoyed himself.
Joselu came to Real before the season on loan from Espanyol. The 34-year-old Spanish striker is a native of Stuttgart and has played for Hoffenheim, Frankfurt and Hannover in the past. His goals prevented a repeat of Germany’s 2013 Champions League final, when Bayern beat Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley. Real and Borussia will also meet at the London Stadium on June 1.
Match statistics (©Opta by Stats Perform)
Tags: Ancelotti reaching final sixth time happened times explained
