As Spain’s two football giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona, prepare for a series of high-stakes clashes, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti says the rivalry is built on mutual respect—not just fierce competition.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ancelotti emphasized that despite the intensity of El Clásico, there’s genuine admiration between the clubs.
“Barcelona are playing great football right now. When you reach a final, respect is non-negotiable,” he said. “There’s a lot of quality in that team—and I know they feel the same about us.”
The two sides are on a collision course, with Real Madrid trailing Barcelona by just three points in La Liga, and both clubs headed to the Copa del Rey final on April 26. And that’s not all—they’re also poised to face off in a massive La Liga encounter in May, with both teams also eyeing Champions League glory.
Madrid recently booked their place in the Copa del Rey final after a heart-stopping 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, requiring extra time to get the job done. The physical toll of that clash is already showing, with Madrid facing Valencia this weekend as doubts linger over key players.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is still recovering from a muscle injury, while backup Andriy Lunin may also miss out. That could open the door for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to make his senior debut.
“No worries,” Ancelotti assured. “Courtois is recovering well and should be ready for Arsenal on Tuesday [Champions League quarter-final]. And if Lunin isn’t fit, I have full confidence in Fran.”
As for the swirling rumors about his future, especially if Madrid manage to pull off a stunning treble, Ancelotti made his stance crystal clear.
“I’m not going anywhere. If we win everything, I won’t be the one asking to leave.”
All this comes on the heels of Ancelotti wrapping up a tax fraud trial, with Spanish prosecutors calling for a four-year and nine-month prison sentence over alleged undeclared income. Still, the Italian tactician seems unfazed—his focus is firmly on the pitch and Real Madrid’s historic run.
