Carlo Ancelotti channels Carlos Alcaraz to inspire Real Madrid comeback against Arsenal

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Evening Standard

·15 April 2025

Carlo Ancelotti channels Carlos Alcaraz to inspire Real Madrid comeback against Arsenal

Los Blancos boss also insists failure to overturn sizable deficit in the Champions League quarter-finals won’t impact his position at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is taking a leaf out of tennis star Carlos Alcaraz’s book as his side prepare to host Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.

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Madrid’s hunt for a 16th Champions League title took a significant knock in the first leg as they fell 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium following a pair of stunning Declan Rice free-kicks. The visitors were well off the pace last week, and have a mountain to climb in the reverse fixture.

Ancelotti, though, is looking to another Madrid-based athlete for inspiration ahead of the tie.

He said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “What we want to do is try to change our mindset and play a serious game. With our heads, our hearts, and our balls, as Alcaraz says.”

Motto: The three Cs tattooed on Carlos Alcaraz’s left arm stand for cabeza, corazon, and cajones

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Four-time major winner and Real Madrid supporter Alcaraz was taught the saying by his grandfather and has gone so far as to get it tattooed on his left arm.

For Ancelotti, that mindset will complement Madrid’s quality, which he says should be plenty to turn over the three-goal deficit.

He continued: “Real Madrid has all the resources to turn this tie around. We have the quality, the commitment, the experience of many players, and we have the fans.

“The resources are there; we just have to bring out the best in each of us. In previous years, they didn't say we played spectacular football, which may be the truth. More than spectacular, we want to play effective football.”

A strong Champions League campaign is often considered the bare minimum for habitual winners Real Madrid, and Spanish outlet Relevo has reported that the club may consider their managerial options should they be eliminated on Wednesday. Ancelotti, who has been in the job for his second spell since 2021, is not feeling any pressure.

Asked whether elimination would put pressure on his position, he said: “I don't think so.

“It is not [my first Champions League game], I hope it is not the last one because this competition is special for me, but I would be sad rather than worried [if we lost].”