Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was upbeat about beating Barcelona at Camp Nou, and he said it outrightly before the game, that Real Madrid would win the tie.
Indeed it was a fine performance as a goal from Vinicius Junior and a second-half hat-trick from Karim Benzema sealed a massive win for the Los Blancos.
In a viral video showing Ancelotti’s post-match debriefing with his players, the Italian praised the team’s performance, before adding that he lied to them that the game against Barcelona was the finals, making them understand that they still have a final to play.
Ancelotti also decided to give his players a day off, and it was indeed well deserved.
“Pride…such pride to watch a game like this,” Ancelotti began.
“Sitting on the bench to watch games is a source of pride for me and for all of us who work with you.
“First, congratulations. Second, I lied, it wasn’t the final! It was the semi-final…we have to play the final!”
After some laughs, Ancelotti’s next proclamation brought a big cheer from his players.
“And third…hey, day off tomorrow!”
pls 🙏 coach give Hazard some minutes