Real Madrid found two significant joys after Manchester City triumph | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a crucial victory against Manchester City, but for Carlo Ancelotti, the triumph was not the only reason to celebrate.

The Italian had two major reasons to be pleased, both of which strengthen his team’s position ahead of the decisive return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The first and most obvious reason for Ancelotti’s satisfaction was the win itself. Defeating a team of Manchester City’s calibre on their home turf is no small achievement.

Real Madrid put in a disciplined and structured performance, limiting City’s attacking opportunities and ensuring they left England with an important advantage.

The second joy

The second reason for his joy was the team’s ability to avoid suspensions. In a match played at high intensity, Real Madrid managed to finish the game without key players picking up yellow cards that could have ruled them out of the return leg.

Players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Luka Modric, and Endrick were all at risk of suspension but they finished the contest carefully to ensure they remain available for the crucial fixture.

Real Madrid will have no suspension for the second leg against City. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

This is a significant boost for Real Madrid. In matches of this magnitude, losing an influential player due to suspension can be a major setback.

Ancelotti knows the value of having a full-strength squad at his disposal, and his delighted reaction after the final whistle was a reflection of both the victory and the discipline shown by his players.

A controlled game

Real Madrid demonstrated impressive control over the game. Avoiding unnecessary bookings was not just a sign of discipline but also of tactical intelligence.

The ability to manage a high-pressure match without falling into reckless challenges is a testament to the team’s maturity.

Ultimately, Ancelotti had every reason to be pleased. Real Madrid achieved an important victory while also ensuring their key players will be available for the decisive encounter at the Bernabeu.

With a full squad ready to compete, barring injuries, the Spanish giants will be confident in their ability to complete the job and advance to the next stage.