Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most accomplished football managers of all time, with a reputation that has been built on success at the highest level. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical flexibility, the 65-year-old has consistently managed to extract the best out of his teams, which regularly feature as the favorites amongst sports betting odds domestically and in Europe.
His five Champions League titles speak to his mastery of the game, with Real Madrid’s win over Borussia Dortmund in last season’s final making him the most decorated manager in the competition’s history.
In June, Madrid overcame a spirited Dortmund side to claim a 2-0 victory at Wembley. The Germans had several missed opportunities while Real’s keeper Thibaut Courtois made crucial saves. Los Blancos took control late on, with Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr scoring to secure the win and extend Ancelotti’s legacy.
The Italian’s current side exemplifies his influence, as he has crafted a team that exudes confidence and composure on the ball. The squad’s experience means they rarely panic, even when put under intense pressure.
Both the 2022 and 2024 finals were prime examples of this, with the team calmly navigating through Dortmund’s early threats in the same way they had done against Liverpool in Paris, where Vinicius scored the winning goal in a tense game the Reds had dominated.
This is Ancelotti’s second stint in the Spanish capital. After spells at Chelsea and Paris Sant-Germain, he arrived in Madrid in 2014, achieving La Decima – the tenth European cup for the club.
Sergio Ramos’ late equalizer set the stage for Real’s 4-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid, cementing his legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid is not the only club where Ancelotti has found success in Europe. His great AC Milan sides of the early 2000s were known for their defensive solidity and creative midfield, featuring legends like Paolo Maldini, Andrea Pirlo, and Kaka.
Ancelotti led AC Milan to Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2007, overcoming Juventus and Liverpool, respectively. The 2005 final against Liverpool, known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” denied him another title in dramatic fashion, but he would not have to wait long for his next European success in Athens.
Heading into the 2024/25 season, Real Madrid will undoubtedly be among the favorites for the Champions League title once again. With a squad boasting experience, talent, and the added firepower of Kylian Mbappe, they have all the tools needed to make another deep run in the competition.
The addition of Mbappe has only strengthened the Merengue’s attacking options, adding another dimension to their already formidable front line. Although the French captain has had a slow start in La Liga, Ancelotti remains confident in his abilities and potential to adapt to the team.
Although still developing, Mbappe and Vini’s partnership has the potential to become one of the most feared attacking duos in Europe.
Ancelotti’s legacy as a manager is already cemented, but winning a sixth Champions League title would take him to even greater heights. The challenge will be formidable, especially with the new Swiss-style format adding unpredictability to the competition, creating more opportunities for upsets. However, if there’s anyone who knows how to navigate these complexities, it’s him.
Madrid have some tough games ahead, including a trip to Anfield at the end of November, as well as home games against Dortmund in a rematch of May’s final as well as Ancelotti’s old side Milan. However, they should have enough quality to once again reach the business end of the competition.
