Maldini Speaks Out, Unexpected Announcement About Ancelotti Hours Before the Decisive Euroclassic

Real Madrid Is Counting the Hours to Face Atlético de Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The return leg of the Champions League round of 16, against their eternal capital rival, puts many things at stake that everyone is talking about right now. Julio Maldonado, as expected, has shared his particular analyses on this very important match.

One of his latest comments encompassed several aspects of the match to be played at the Colchonero stadium. "Put yourself in the Madridist's shoes and say 'we are European champions and we have Mbappé,' we are still better. And Atleti has knocked us out, whom we've knocked out every year whenever we've played in the round of 16", Julio Maldonado states about a possible defeat for Real Madrid tonight.

He also makes it clear that elimination in the round of 16, "speaking of coaches, would hurt Ancelotti much more than Simeone, that's for sure. Probably, unless he already wins LaLiga and such...", Julio Maldonado points out. For the veteran journalist, a defeat against Atlético de Madrid would be decisive for the future of the Reggiolo coach on the white bench despite his contract until 2026.

"I think that if Real Madrid is out, no matter what happens in the season, even winning the Cup and winning LaLiga, Ancelotti's continuity would be difficult". These words from Julio Maldonado about the future of the Italian strategist are the result of a complicated sports management in the current soccer season, especially during the months of October and November.

Honest Opinion

Because Real Madrid was close to being eliminated in the league phase of the Champions League. They also didn't have a brilliant performance in LaLiga or the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, the management of young talents and some tactical changes have not been well-received in the stands of Santiago Bernabéu due to the poor results obtained.

Julio Maldonado reveals that "I know many people who say 'no, it's just that I don't want Ancelotti even if he wins the Champions, I can't stand him'". The veteran journalist makes it clear that, despite all the criticisms and negative comments that can be made about the Reggiolo coach, "I don't quite understand it all".

"On the other hand, Simeone has... Well, Simeone is practically the stadium. Nothing would happen," Julio Maldonado warns about an Atlético de Madrid elimination in the round of 16 of this edition of the Champions League.

The different context in which the coaches of Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid find themselves could also mark their tactical proposals for a clash that will determine many more things. Because the match would be a turning point in a Santiago Bernabéu locker room that sees itself fully capable of achieving the treble this season.