REAL MADRID
UCL QF 2026
Carlo Ancelotti — Real Madrid UCL 2025-26
The most decorated manager in Champions League history leads Real Madrid into the UCL quarter-finals once again. Ancelotti's quest for a record-extending fifth European crown — his fourth with Real Madrid.
4
UCL Titles as Manager
QF
2025-26 Stage
Arsenal
QF Opponent
Apr 7-8
Leg 1 Date
Carlo Ancelotti — Profile
BornJune 10, 1959 — Reggiolo, Italy
NationalityItalian
At Real Madrid Since2021 (second stint)
UCL Titles (Manager)4 (AC Milan ×2, Real Madrid ×2)
Total Career Titles29+
UCL Trophy Cabinet (Manager)
🏆 AC Milan 2002-03 (vs Juventus)
🏆 AC Milan 2006-07 (vs Liverpool)
🏆 Real Madrid 2021-22 (vs Liverpool)
🏆 Real Madrid 2023-24 (vs Dortmund)
🎯 2025-26: Can he make it 5?
Ancelotti's Tactical System
Formation: 4-3-1-2 / 4-4-2
Ancelotti uses a fluid 4-3-1-2 diamond that becomes a 4-4-2 in and out of possession. Bellingham operates in the "10" space with license to arrive late into the box.
Relationship Management
Ancelotti's greatest skill is man-management. Getting the best from Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham simultaneously — managing big egos while maintaining squad harmony.
UCL Pedigree
In UCL knockouts, Ancelotti's Real Madrid have an almost supernatural ability to produce comeback victories. His calm under pressure transmits to the players in crunch moments.
UCL QF: Real Madrid vs Arsenal
Real Madrid Strengths for QF
- ✓ Mbappé + Vinícius Jr. — best wide duo in world football
- ✓ Bellingham's late runs create numerical advantage
- ✓ Courtois back in goal — world class shot-stopper
- ✓ Bernabéu atmosphere for Leg 2 is unmatched
- ✓ 15 UCL titles — club DNA built for big nights
Arsenal Threat
- ⚠ Saka and Martinelli — elite wide threat vs Real Madrid's fullbacks
- ⚠ Arteta's high press could disrupt Madrid's build-up
- ⚠ Arsenal's defensive block — hardest to break down in England
- ⚠ Declan Rice box-to-box engine in midfield
Latest Ancelotti / Real Madrid News
It's Neymar vs Ancelotti: Brazil's 'sad and upset' £198m superstar 'can't stay silent' after ex-Real Madrid boss put his World Cup dream in doubt
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Joao Pedro speaks out after Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup blunder - 'Damn, I'm left out'
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Arrival, team-mates, arguments, Ancelotti and more: Nesta turns 50 and reflects on time at Milan
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Carlo Ancelotti tells Real Madrid to stunningly sign €116m-rated Newcastle star amid ‘imminent departure’
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Carlo Ancelotti tells Real Madrid to stunningly sign €116m-rated Newcastle star amid ‘imminent departure’
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It's Neymar vs Ancelotti: Brazil's 'sad and upset' £198m superstar 'can't stay silent' after ex-Real Madrid boss put his World Cup dream in doubt
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It's Neymar vs Ancelotti: Brazil's 'sad and upset' £198m superstar 'can't stay silent' after ex-Real Madrid boss put his World Cup dream in doubt
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'Disney without Mickey doesn't exist': Inside Brazil's Neymar World Cup sideshow and why there's a clamour to pick fallen idol, his costly poker night, the birthday snub, why Carlo Ancelotti is standing firm and what it means for Matheus Cunha
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“Didn’t miss a single training session” – Ancelotti reveals what makes Modric ‘special’
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Ancelotti jokes with Modric after Brazil vs. Croatia: “You don’t have a Brazilian grandfather, do you?”
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