Real’s title boost just ahead of City date
CARLO ANCELOTTI urged his Real Madrid to celebrate their 35th La Liga title last night – and then called on the fans to create the same raucous atmosphere to help beat Manchester City in the Champions League.
The Italian sent out a reserve side to seal a comfortable win over Espanyol yesterday as Karim Benzema came off the bench to net his 47th goal of the season.
The former Chesea and Everton boss is the first coach to ever win the league title in all of the big five European leagues.
During the jubilant post-match celebrations, Ancelotti wore a white baseball cap and T-shirt with the number 35 over his trademark dark suit and waistcoat.
And the coach said he wanted his side to take the momentum of this triumph into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with City on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side won the first game 4-3 at The Etihad.
And Ancelotti said: “I feel a lot of emotion. If I cry, I’m very happy. It’s the first time I’ve won a title at the Bernabeu and the atmosphere is something special.
“This season has been spectacular. I want to celebrate. It fills me with pride to win in the five major leagues. It means I’ve done pretty well. I’m proud. I want to continue winning titles with Real Madrid. I say to the fans, ‘On Wednesday we need this atmosphere’.”
Gareth Bale pulled out the squad before kick-off with a back injury and did not join the lengthy on-field celebrations.
Rodrygo netted twice before the break before Eduardo Camavinga set up Marco Asensio for the third after 55 minutes.
Benzema then added the crowning glory.