Carlo Ancelotti cemented his status as the greatest of all time among a plethora of world-class managers with Saturday’s Champions League victory. Real Madrid won their 15th title in Europe’s most prestigious competition, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium.
Heavily favored in the build-up, Real Madrid got off to a sluggish start, conceding several clear-cut chances. But after weathering a first-half storm, Ancelotti’s side gained a foothold in the Wembley showpiece, and there was no way back for Dortmund.
Dani Carvajal’s opener somewhat petrified Edin Terzic’s troops, enabling plain sailing for Los Blancos down the final stretch. When Vinicius Junior capitalized on the Germans’ amateur mistake at the back, it was ‘game, set & match’ for Ancelotti and his overachieving team.
Ancelotti headed to London as the most successful manager in Champions League history. After inspiring Milan to two continental triumphs, he won the competition twice with Real Madrid, leapfrogging Zinedine Zidane at the top with four titles.
Thanks to Los Merengues’ second-half blitz, Ancelotti now has five Champions League crowns in his glittering trophy cabinet. One of the most decorated coaches in European football and an absolute Serie A legend stands alone atop the pantheon of managerial greats.
Ancelotti hasn’t set the benchmark – he is the benchmark. At 64, after everything he has achieved, no one would blame him if he decides to call time on his trophy-laden managerial career tomorrow. But we’ve not seen the last of Carletto.
Indeed, Ancelotti will return to his favorite competition next season with the same hunger and determination to conquer it as ever. And he will have Kylian Mbappe by his side. Who would dare to bet against Real Madrid defending their throne in the Champions League?
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