Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, believes that Manchester City’s equalizer in the Champions League semi-final first leg shouldn’t have been allowed.
Ancelotti was disappointed that the referee did not consult with VAR after Bernardo Silva had taken the ball over the touchline in the build-up to Kevin De Bruyne’s goal. Ancelotti was shown a yellow card for entering the field of play while protesting the goal and he remained unhappy with the official after the game.
“The ball was off the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “The technology said it. I don’t understand why VAR didn’t check it. The referee didn’t pay attention to many things tonight.”
Despite Real Madrid taking the lead against the run of play through Vinicius Jr’s thunderous effort, De Bruyne stepped up for his team to bring them level with an equally-impressive strike. Ancelotti’s side struggled to cope with City for the opening half-hour, but grew into the game after going ahead and looked the more threatening in the second half.
Real Madrid now face a difficult task of beating City at the Etihad, a feat only achieved by Brentford this season, if they are to avoid penalties and reach the final of the Champions League.
Speaking to BT Sport, Ancelotti said, “A good game, an interesting game. Difficult for us in the first half, in the second half it was much better. They controlled possession in the first half but we were in a good control defensively and when we started to play the ball we created a lot of difficulties. You have to stay calm, you have to keep the position defensively, do not go crazy to press, stay there and play the low block, and when we had the opportunity we scored the first goal. [Vinicius Junior] is in a fantastic moment but the team played well. I am satisfied, with a good sensation about the game on Wednesday.”
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s head coach, was impressed by the way his team dealt with the occasion at the Santiago Bernabeu and set up a play-off game at the Etihad to reach the Champions League final.
“When we were better they score. When they were better we score,” he told BT Sport. “Tight, tight game. The Bernabeu in the semi-final, sometimes we had good moments and sometimes it was difficult with the quality they have on the ball. Final next Wednesday at home with our people.”
Guardiola praised Erling Haaland’s performance despite him having the fewest touches of all the starters in the match. “The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs were occupied,” Guardiola added. “It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances.”
Both teams will now prepare for the crucial second leg of the Champions League semi-final, which promises to be an exciting encounter.
