Champions League

Ancelotti’s heartwarming response on which team he wants Real Madrid to face in 2023 UCL Final

Real Madrid, the tournament's current champions, will face Chelsea in a replay of last year's Quarter-Finals, and it's one of several tantalizing matchups that emerged from the draw.Carlo Ancelotti's sole goal in the Champions League was avoiding a matchup with the side he would most want to face in the Final.

Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid
© Denis Doyle/Getty ImagesCarlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid

The 2022-23 UEFAChampions League Quarter-Finals include a matchup between Chelsea and Real Madrid, while Manchester Citywill take on Bayern in a match sure to draw attention. The Blues and Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will meet again in at the samestage they faced in2021-22.

City’s match versus Bayern, where Pep Guardiola faces off against his old team and Joao Cancelo, makesit a strong contender for the round’s best game.Meanwhile, seven-time winnersMilan will take ontheir fellow Serie A hot-shotNapoli, while 2010 champions, Inter will meet withBenfica.

The prospective opponents for the forthcoming Semi-Finals were also revealed on Friday’s draw. The Premier League clubs drew each other and European powerhouses Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, which is not good luck. The outcome does, however, leave up the potential of an all-Milan semis, while guaranteeing a spot in the final for any of AC Milan, Napoli, Internazionale, or Benfica.

Advertisement

Who does Carlo Ancelotti want to face in possible Champions League Final?

The opening legs of the Quarter-Finalsare scheduled for April 11 and 12, with the return legsfor April 18 and 19. After that, on May 9 and 10, the first legs of the Semi-Finalswill take place, with the second legs set for May 16 and 17. On June 10 in Istanbul, Turkey,the two remainingteams will compete for the grandprize.

Real Madridare the current champions of the competition and will attempt to defend the title they earned last season under Carlo Ancelotti‘s direction.The experienced Italian bossentered the UCL quarterfinals with just one realistic scenario for the next match: avoiding a matchup with his previous team, Milan.

Advertisement

During an interview with Sky Italia following the Liverpool match, the Italian manager disclosed his preferred opponent in a possible championship game: “To be honest, the ideal would be for us to meet Milan in the Final in Istanbul, but there is a long way to go.”

ALSO READ
Are Real Madrid out of 2025-26 UEFA Champions League after loss to Manchester City?
Soccer

Are Real Madrid out of 2025-26 UEFA Champions League after loss to Manchester City?

Why are Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi not playing today for PSG vs Athletic Club in 2025-26 UEFA Champions League?
Soccer

Why are Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi not playing today for PSG vs Athletic Club in 2025-26 UEFA Champions League?

Why is Kylian Mbappe not starting today for Real Madrid vs Man City?
Soccer

Why is Kylian Mbappe not starting today for Real Madrid vs Man City?

Where to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the USA: 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League
Soccer

Where to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the USA: 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League

Better Collective Logo