Real Madrid’s recent triumph over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League has once again highlighted Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical mastery, especially when facing Pep Guardiola. The 3-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, propelled by Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick, secured a 6-3 aggregate win, propelling Los Blancos into the last 16.

This encounter marked the fifth time Ancelotti and Guardiola have clashed in the Champions League knockout stages. Remarkably, Ancelotti has emerged victorious in four of these five ties, underscoring his strategic prowess against Guardiola’s sides.

Their rivalry in Europe’s premier competition has been intense:

2013-14 Semi-finals: Ancelotti’s Real Madrid dismantled Guardiola’s Bayern Munich with a 5-0 aggregate, including a stunning 4-0 win at the Allianz Arena.

2021-22 Semi-finals: Real Madrid, under Ancelotti, overcame Manchester City in a dramatic tie, showcasing the Italian’s adeptness in high-stakes matches.

2023-24 Quarter-finals: Ancelotti once again outmaneuvered Guardiola, leading Real Madrid past Manchester City in a closely contested series.

2024-25 Playoff Round: The latest chapter saw Real Madrid eliminate Manchester City with a 6-3 aggregate, highlighted by Mbappé’s exceptional performance.

Ancelotti’s success isn’t limited to his encounters with Guardiola. He holds the record for the most Champions League titles as a manager, with five triumphs: two with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and three with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2023-24).

This unparalleled record solidifies Ancelotti’s status as a managerial legend in European football. His ability to consistently outthink and outmaneuver top-tier contemporaries like Guardiola speaks volumes about his tactical acumen and adaptability.

As Real Madrid advance further into the competition, fans can take immense pride in Ancelotti’s leadership. His proven track record against elite managers offers a promising outlook for the challenges that lie ahead in the Champions League.