Real Madrid are not used to being a tragic hero, but yesterday (Wednesday) when they beat Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League semi-finals, they lost the title of European champions and stepped into shoes they are not used to being in.
"Manchester City crushed Real Madrid who didn't even provide competition, Carlo Ancelotti's plan and all his most reliable players didn't show up," Marca wrote. "From the team that always knew how to win there is not a trace left, a tough defeat that forces testing the plans for the future, from the big star to the bench players."
City completed 124 passes in the first 15 minutes of the game with almost 80% possession of the ball, while reigning champions Real were limited to just 13 passes, UEFA statistics showed at the end of the evening.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved the team from an even bigger defeat, apologized to the fans: "We wanted to reach the final, but it didn't happen. Thank you to those who went to Manchester and everyone for their support." The Belgian added: "The way we flew hurts even more. You can lose, but it was a very tough defeat."
Lo sentimos madridistas. Nos hubiera gustado llegar a otra final pero no pudo ser. Gracias a los que habéis venido a Manchester y a todos siempre por vuestro apoyo. #HalaMadrid 🤍 pic.twitter.com/SOdGC7Csb7
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) May 17, 2023
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was disappointed but declared: "I will be here next season as well, wanting to fight for another Champions League win. No one doubts me. I think the president of the club made that statement 15 days ago."
🚨 Carlo Ancelotti on his future at Real Madrid: "No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago — this is a step to improve for next year". #RealMadrid
"Next season I will be here to fight to win another Champions League". pic.twitter.com/t56VDUq7n2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2023
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