Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledges that his team will enjoy a slight advantage over Manchester City in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final due to their lighter schedule.
Los Blancos are set to face the reigning European champions in the last eight, with the first leg scheduled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, April 9th, followed by the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, April 17th.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola expressed frustration last week over the fixture arrangement, citing their congested Premier League schedule compared to Madrid’s nine-day rest period between matches.
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“We play Aston Villa at 20:15, then at 12:30 against Crystal Palace on Saturday – at 12:30!” Guardiola lamented. “Then we go to Madrid on Tuesday. Madrid has nine days to prepare, nine days.”
Ancelotti, responding to Guardiola’s comments after Madrid’s 2-0 win against Athletic Club on Sunday, acknowledged the advantage but downplayed its significance.
“I see it well, they have a more complicated schedule, it is modern football,” Ancelotti remarked. “It is obvious that we have a small advantage, but it will not affect the match. I really liked the handling of today’s match and a little less intensity.”
This season marks the third consecutive time Madrid and City have faced each other in the knockout stages of the Champions League, having met in the semi-finals in the previous two campaigns.
The winner of this tie will progress to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, with Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona on the other side of the draw.