Carlo Ancelotti has named the second leg against Chelsea as Real Madrid’s toughest match in the Champions League this season.
Speaking ahead of the competition’s finale with Liverpool, Ancelotti hailed his former side for giving such a good account of themselves in Spain.
Chelsea were Madrid’s toughest test
Thomas Tuchel’s men almost knocked the La Liga champions out of Europe thanks to a terrific display on foreign soil.
They had it all to do in the reverse fixture, following a pretty shambolic first half at Stamford Bridge in the opening leg.
A Karim Benzema hattrick meant the Blues needed to summon all their strength to flip the script in the Spanish capital.
To the surprise of many, Chelsea almost completed the comeback their fans could only dream of before the contest kicked off.
Mason Mount topped off a blistering start from the visitors with a finish of equal storming quality.
Antonio Rudiger then powered home a header just after the interval, making the scores 3-3 on aggregate.
With three quarters of the contest gone, the turnaround appeared to be finished thanks to Timo Werner’s composure in front of goal.
However, Madrid can never be counted out in the Champions League, as Tuchel’s group found out all too well.
The Real winners on the night
Rodrygo fired a superb volley past Edouard Mendy to level the aggregate scores again, adding another half an hour to the encounter.
Tired Chelsea minds and bodies fought through the additional period, only to have their hopes crushed by Benzema, who stooped to score and send Los Blancos through.
Ancelotti then oversaw another amazing confrontation with Premier League opposition in the semi-final, ultimately defeating Manchester City 6-5 on aggregate.
A meeting with Liverpool awaits this weekend, with Jurgen Klopp set to offer another, different type of obstacle.
But will the Reds present the same hurdle that Chelsea managed last month?
“Most difficult game in the Champions League this season? The game against Chelsea at Bernabeu,” admitted Ancelotti.
“It’s been very complicated mentally because we had won in London.”
Supporters of Tuchel will probably be cheering on their old manager this Saturday, as they hope to see Liverpool’s triple title hopes fade away.
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