Real Madrid coach Ancelotti sends message to Manchester City

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said after winning the Copa del Rey for the first time in nine years that his team can now prepare to face Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals in a cheerful atmosphere. Real faced pressure ahead of hosting City in the first leg on Tuesday after losing twice in their last three games, and are almost knocked out of La Liga race as they are 14 points clear of rivals Barcelona.

But he lifted his spirits by beating Osasuna 2-1 last night to regain the Copa del Rey title absent since 2014 in Ancelotti's first spell, and Manchester City warned that next Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg would be too strong. The Italian coach told reporters after achieving his tenth title in his career with Real "We deserve the cup, not only because of the performance in the final but because of the whole career after beating very strong opponents," led by Barcelona, who were thrashed by Real 4-12 in the second leg of the semifinal.
The Spanish and European champions added last season: "We have won all possible titles in two seasons and we are preparing for the next challenge in the Champions League in a happy atmosphere."
"We will compete strongly because we are very close to another final and we will do our best to get as far as possible. In the first leg against City we have the privilege of playing 11 against <>," he said, referring to the fans at the Santiago Bernabéu. Brazilian striker Rodrigo praised the winner of the brace against Osasuna and described him as "a very elegant player, moving gracefully and developing in an amazing way."