Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester City’s equalizer should not have been counted.
[Man City come from behind to draw 1-1 with Real Madrid, but Carlo Ancelotti was dissatisfied with the officiating for Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning equalizer. Pep Guardiola says the second leg is ‘like a final’ after Vinicius Jr gave Real the lead with an equally impressive strike.]
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Manchester City’s equalizer in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday should not have counted.
After City’s goal, Ancelotti got angry with the referee because he thought Bernardo Silva had crossed the touchline with the ball before Kevin De Bruyne’s incredible strike.
Ancelotti was given a yellow card for entering the field of play while protesting the goal, and the Italian was still upset with the official after the game.
“The ball was off the pitch,” said Ancelotti. “It was said by technology. I’m not sure why VAR didn’t check it. “The referee didn’t pay much attention tonight.”
When the hosts were in control, De Bruyne stepped up for his team to equalize with an equally impressive strike after Vinicius Jr. had given Real Madrid the lead against the run of play.
Ancelotti’s side struggled to keep up with City in the first half. But grew into the game after taking the lead and looked the more dangerous in the second.
Carlo Ancelotti: Statement over Semi-Finals 2nd LEG
To advance to the Champions League final and avoid penalties, they must now defeat City at the Etihad. That kind of feat has been done only by Brentford, this season.
Ancelotti: “It was a good game, an interesting game.”
The first half was difficult for us, but the second half was much better.
They had the majority of the ball in the first half. But we were in good defensive shape. But when we got the ball back, we made a lot of trouble.
“You have to stay calm, keep the defensive position, don’t go crazy with the press, stay there and play the low block, and when we had the opportunity, we scored the first goal.” [Vinicius Junior] is having a fantastic season, but the entire team performed admirably.
“I am satisfied, and I have a good feeling about the game on Wednesday.”