Topics: Carlo Ancelotti, Champions League, Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti broke UEFA protocol after Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Real Madrid set up a semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich after beating holders City on penalties in a dramatic evening at the Etihad Stadium.
The two sides played out thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu last week and was nicely poised for the second leg.
Rodrygo Goes put Real ahead in the 12th minute before Kevin De Bruyne equalised and made it 4-4 on aggregate 15 minutes from time.
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The pair of European giants could not be separated after 120 minutes and the game went all the way to penalties, where Real prevailed 4-3 following costly misses from City duo Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.
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Not for the first time, Ancelotti did a number on City in the Champions League as he bids to bring Real a 15th European crown.
But interestingly, it's emerged that the 64-year-old did not participate in a press conference after the game.
UEFA rules state that both managers must be made available for the presser and they are slated to start 20 minutes after the final whistle.
However, as reported by Richard Martin of Goal, Ancelotti did not adhere to his duties.
Instead, he would discuss the game in detail with journalists in the mixed zone where players normally pass through.
Taking to X, he wrote: "A rare event on a Champions League night: Carlo Ancelotti declines his press conference duty and instead will speak to journalists in the mixed zone.
"Not seen that before in 11 years covering this competition."
The Italian did conduct interviews with various rights holders such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.
Reflecting on the penalty shoot-out win, Ancelotti told media in the mixed zone: "Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.
"Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shoot-out we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game. I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”
Real return to action on Sunday with a huge El Clasico clash against Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Football fans can watch every Champions League and Europa League match live on TNT Sports by signing up to discovery+.
