Nacho Peña Warns Ancelotti: This Is What Will Happen if He Doesn't Beat Atlético de Madrid

The Champions League match between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid is getting closer. Carlo Ancelotti's pupils are exhausting all their preparation options for a match that everyone marks as important. In Santiago Bernabéu locker room, according to Josep Pedrerol, they understand that it could be a turning point in the current season: they could win it all if they defeat the red-and-white team today.

All the comments analyzing the 'Euroclassic' return leg of the Champions League round of 16 have one thing in common: the future of Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid's coach. Because the Reggiolo coach is not only playing for a spot in the quarterfinals in this tournament, but it would also be a night to decide his continuity.

While it is true that he is not the only one pointing out the delicate situation the Italian strategist is going through since the worst months of the current soccer season, Nacho Peña has no doubt. The Madridist panelist pointed out in his intervention for 'El Desmarque Madrugada' that Real Madrid is playing for much more than it seems in this match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

So much so that the white club could exist in a "unbreathable atmosphere from here to the end of the season" if Diego Pablo Simeone's pupils make a comeback. Because Real Madrid has inherited a minimal advantage from the clash at Santiago Bernabéu and, in principle, most consider it the favorite to advance to the next round.

Essential Requirement

Nacho Peña reminds that "Carlo Ancelotti's continuity is at stake". The constant criticism that the Reggiolo coach has received during this course on several fronts, such as tactical orders or the management of young talents, has taken its toll. That's why the journalist sets a clear objective for the executives led by Florentino Pérez not to dispense with his services prematurely.

"The few chances my dear Carletto has to continue is by winning the Champions", Nacho Peña states. The top continental competition is one of the most important instances for Real Madrid in every sense, especially because the Merengue executives always mark it as a mandatory achievement.

In case of failing in that objective, Carlo Ancelotti's future as Real Madrid's coach could be more than decided. The possible arrival of Xabi Alonso, an arrival that the transalpine coach knows firsthand, is a reality that would gradually approach the home bench at Santiago Bernabéu. The defeat in the Champions League round of 16, against Atlético de Madrid, would only accelerate this process.

In any case, Real Madrid continues to evaluate all the necessary aspects to achieve victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. It may be the most demanding match of the 24/25 season, so Carlo Ancelotti will want to count on his best players to secure his position as the Merengue coach for a longer time.