With Real Madrid clinching the Spanish league on Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to lift trophies in the top five European leagues.
Not long after being thrown into the air by his Real Madrid players, Carlo Ancelotti shed tears while speaking about his latest league triumph.
"I'm very proud of this," he said. "I've had a very long season, but I'm still enjoying it."
Ancelotti won with AC Milan in Italy, Chelsea in England, Paris Saint-Germain in France, and Bayern Munich in Germany.
"Now I'm with Real Madrid, and to win with Real Madrid is very special," he said. "This is the first time for me to win a title at the (Santiago) Bernabรฉu, and the atmosphere here is special."
The 62-year-old Ancelotti first coached Madrid from 2013-15 but didn't win La Liga. But in that first tenure, Madrid won the Champions League, the Club World Cup, UEFA's Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.
Ancelotti won the Serie A in 2004, the English Premier League in 2010, the French league in 2013 and the Bundesliga in 2017.
He coached Napoli and Everton after Bayern, without reaching any significant success. He returned to Madrid in the beginning of last season.
"I have to thank Real Madrid's president (Florentino Perez) to give me this opportunity to return," Ancelotti said.
"I wasn't expecting it at the time." Madrid won its record-extending 35th Liga title with a 4-0 win over Espanyol, gaining an insurmountable lead with four rounds to go.
Ancelotti's only reason to complain on Saturday was Madrid's players stopped throwing him up in celebration too soon.
"I told Marcelo that I wanted to keep going," he said. "I was enjoying being up there in the air."
Ballon d'Or 2024 Winners | Aitana Bontami and Rodri win the Ballon d'Or 2024
Get the winners list of Ballon d'Or 2024 as Rodri and Aitana Bonmati won the Ballon d'Or 2024 Award. Yamal won the Kopa Trophy while Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Sportz Point. Tonight, we will cover the Ballon d'Or 2024 as all the eyes of football fans get ready to witness the football king post-Messi-Ronaldo era.
This will be the first time in nearly 21 years that either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo have not been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in football.
Players like Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, and Vinicius Jr will be the favourites to win the Men's Ballon d'Or while Aitana Bonmati, Lucy Bronze and Alexia Putellas will be the favourites to win the Women's Ballon d'Or 2024.
Lille vs Real Madrid UCL 2024-25 Highlights | Lille stun Real Madrid with a 1-0 win; break Real's 36 game unbeaten run
Read the highlights of the Lille vs Real Madrid football match in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Lille broke Real Madrid's 36-match unbeaten run across competition with a shocking 1-0 win.
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season. Tonight, we will be covering the Lille vs Real Madrid match, set to be played at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Villeneuve d'Ascq.
What happened in the last match?
Real Madrid, the most successful team in the tournament's history and the defending champions from last season, will be looking to continue their winning run after a tricky 3-1 win against Stuttgart at their home. Meantime, Lille suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sporting CP in Lisbon, as they had to fight with 10 men in that match.
After their draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga 2024-25, Ancelottiโs side are now unbeaten in 40 La Liga games. They have not been beaten in the league since September 2023, when they lost against Atletico.
On the other hand, Lille scored six goals in their last two games in Ligue 1 and won the last game by 3-0 against Le Havre, their first win in five games across competitions. Les Dogues would be happy to return in form to face the world's strongest football team.
So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the updates of the Lille vs Real Madrid match from the web desk.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta UEFA Super Cup Final Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of Real Madrid vs Atalanta UEFA Super Cup Final at the Kazimierz Gรณrski National Stadium in Poland on 15th August, Thursday.
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madridwill face Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup Final match at the Kazimierz Gรณrski National Stadium in Poland on 15th August, Thursday. Los Blancos extended their Champions League title number by 15 while La Dea unexpectedly thrashed invincible Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final to lift a European title after 61 years.
Real Madrid's total of five UEFA Super Cup titles puts them at the top of the charts while Atalanta will be playing for the first time. Real Madrid have proved again and again that they don't need to sign 4-5 players each summer to strengthen their squad and the Mbappe's statement signing is enough for them for now. Atalanta had a poor pre-season campaign but they can prove everyone wrong just like they did in the Europa League final.
How to watch the Real Madrid vs Atalanta UEFA Super Cup Final match?
The Live streaming of the final match between Real Madrid vs Atalanta will be on the Sony Liv app. The match will also be telecast live on India's Sony Sports TV network.
Real Madrid vs Atalanta: Head-to-Head stats
Madrid and Atalanta have met twice before and Los Blancos have won on both occasions.
Kylian Mbappe has joined the 15-time European Champion Real Madrid ahead of the 2024/25 season. Despite a legend like Toni Kroos having taken retirement, it will not much affect the Spanish giant as there are some future superstars to take his place. Vinicius Jr has been sensational in the last few seasons but Kylian Mbappe's signing is the biggest since Ronaldo's departure from the club. Los Blancos recently lifted their 15th UEFA Champions League title and also are the 2023-24 La Liga champion. So, Mbappe's signing will only make them more dominant. It's time, we look at the best possible Real Madrid XI in the 2024/25 season.
Real Madrid did not miss Courtois who was out for most of the season with an ACL injury. Andriy Lunin performed well and it didn't appear for once as he is Madrid's backup goalkeeper. But, Courtois is a world-class shot-stopper and he has proved that time and time again. The Belgian showed his class in the UCL final against Dortmund. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and is one of the key players in the Real Madrid squad.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Carvajal is one of the most reliable players for Carlo Ancelotti. The right-back netted the opener in the Champions League final and is a consistent performer. He has shown why Real Madrid trusts him that much and often his performances go under the radar. Carvajal is one of the best right-backs in the world right now and his consistency speaks for itself. He can provide at least 50 games a season for his side and that too at the same level of intensity.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger joined the side on a free transfer from Chelsea two years ago. Since then, the German has become the most important defender for Los Blancos and he is currently one of the best if not the best defenders in La Liga and Europe. His speed and stability at the back along with his comfort on the ball are key attributes. He will surely lead the backline of the Kings of Europe and his involvement will be crucial like this season too.
CB: Eder Militao
Militao missed a huge portion of the season due to injury but is a vital player in the Los Blancos' defence. Club captain Nacho is leaving the club so Militao's place gets solidified as Alaba hasn't dropped regular performances and is injury-prone. So, it is most likely that Militao will form a partnership with Rudiger at the back next season.
LB: Ferland Mendy/David Alaba
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies but Ferland Mendy has put in some world-class performances this season. Shockingly, no one is talking about him. He doesn't get too much attention but boy he operates smoothly in that region. His defensive efforts are one of the reasons why Real conceded fewer goals in the league this season. If the Frenchman can find regular fitness he could be a key part of the side for the 2024-25 season.
David Alaba can also operate as a left-back. We have seen him many times play as a left-back in Bayern and his offensive traits are very good. The Austrian has pace so he can track back and defend as well. He wasn't fit for the majority of the season so missed a lot of important games. But, he can be an important player for Los Blancos. Mendy is injury-prone so Alaba can be a solid option and if Carlo manages to control their game times. it will ultimately be fruitful for the club.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni has been a great player for the side since he arrived in 2022. He has also displayed his quality when he had to play as a centre-back. He missed the UCL final due to injury but overall had a successful season with Madrid. Tchouameni is only 24 years old and there are plenty of successful years are yet to come in his professional career. He has proved his worth and is currently one of the best centre-mids in La Liga and Europe.
CM: Fede Valverde
Toni Kroos has announced his retirement and it's a huge miss for the football fans but not for Real Madrid. He has handed over his jersey number to Valverde for obvious reasons. Real has too many options to use in the right-mid region. Ancelotti will have headaches for choice in this department. Fede Valverde is the kind of friend every person dreams of. He is a versatile player and he gives his everything in a match. His off-the-ball efforts and presses make him more important for the side. The Uruguayan is just 25 years old but is one of the best players in Europe.
Along with Valverde, he also has the likes of Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga to call upon. While all of those other options are valid choices, itโs tough to bench Valverde. Modric and Camavinga can come as substitutes. Camavinga can also start in some matches in the place of Tchouameni.
CM: Jude Bellingham
There are no introductions needed for Jude Bellingham. He won the Champions League in his first season at Real and also contributed with a simple assist in the final against his former club. He is a moment player who can change the game in a second or two. Every successful team needs a player like Bellingham who holds the ability to change the course of the game. He is a great dribbler, and a brilliant passer which a CM must behold but there are so many unbelievable things, the young English footballer can do. He has contributed this season with 35 G/A in only 36 games.
LW: Vinicius Jr
The Brazilian is one of the best attackers in the world right now. Vinicius Jr has appeared in two Champions League Finals with Los Blancos, scored in both, and has won both. He was also named the UEFA Champions League player of the season for the incredible 2023-24 campaign. Vini is the front-runner for the Ballon d'Or 2024 and he deserves it. The 23-year-old superstar has scored 24 goals and assisted 11 times this season in all competitions after featuring in 39 games.
RW: Rodrygo
Rodrygo confirmed that he will remain at the club and Carlo has always praised the Brazilian. He has been brilliant this season, scoring 17 and assisting 9 times in 51 games. He was Ancelotti's most-used attacker this season which makes him a key player for Los Blancos. He will most likely operate in the right wing with Vinicius in the left and the new signing Mbappe through the middle. The best thing about this trio is they can operate in both wings and the middle which is terrifying for the opposition teams.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe joins the star-studded Real Madrid side, adding more firepower in the front. It will be very hard for the opponents to stop Los Blancos and they are already that strong in the Champions League. Kylian Mbappe had a great season with PSG but they were knocked out of the UCL by Dortmund. Mbappe hasn't been able to win a UCL title in his career but the wait will most likely be over soon as he will be part of the most successful European club from the 2024/25 season.
Mbappe to Real Madrid: Who will stop Madrid? How would Mbappe fit in?
French and PSG footballer has now signed a contract with Real Madrid and will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player after Euro 2024. This makes us decode how would Mbappe fit in Real Madrid alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and others.
Finally, the deal is done. Kylian Mbappe is coming to Madrid. After years of speculations and rumours, the French and PSG winger/striker will join Real Madrid once the La Liga transfer window opens on July 1.
The 25-year-old footballer was a Real Madrid from boyhood and always wanted to come to Real Madrid. However, due to many reasons, Mbappe's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu was not happening.
This year in February, Mbappe signed a verbal deal with Real Madrid and told PSG that he would leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners are planning to announce the deal next week and will present Kylian Mbappe as a Real Madrid player a the Bernabeu after the Euro 2024.
Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in 2018 and since then won 6 Ligue1 titles with the French giants. However, it is his dream to win the UEFA Champions League and perhaps have a hand on the Ballon d'Or, taking him to Madrid.
With Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid, the Spanish side might become one of the most immovable forces in the football world. The 2018 World Cup winner will be playing alongside players like Luka Modric, who just extended his contract with the club and a record six-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
Not only Modric, he will be leading the attack with Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. Vinicius, Bellingham and Rodrygo have already shown what they can do under the guidance of boss Carlo Ancelotti and adding Mbappe with them could just mean they might become the most destructive offensive lineup of modern history.
Where would Mbappe fit in Real Madrid's system?
Though, before this, we have seen many stars play together and create some great combinations on the pitch; like we saw with M-S-N of Barcelona or B-B-C of Real Madrid. But, here would be a problem for Carlo Ancelotti, perhaps a happy problem for him; but a problem.
Vinicius Junior has been one of the best players for Real Madrid in the last few seasons and this season, is a direct contender for the Ballon d'Or. Vinicius likes to play in the left-wing position and so does Kylian Mbappe. And, surely, you do not bench a player like Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe had openly said, that he does not like to play as a striker and he loves to create that space and speed from the flanks. So, what happens to Vinicius? That is a question Carlo Ancelotti might be able to answer.
What if both Mbappe and Vinicius play together? In that case, Mbappe might have to move to the centre-forward position. Luis Enrique has used Mbappe as a centre-forward on many occasions and the French sensation has looked good in that position as well with 19 goals and six assists.
This would allow Rodrygo to play at his favourite right-wing position and perhaps create more chances for Mbappe from the flank.
With, Mbappe's arrival Jude Bellingham has to play in a different position than he did this season. Ancelotti has used Jude in many positions this season. Bellingham has played as a false nine or on the left side throughout the season but will have to play in a deeper position with Mbappe, Vinicius and Rodrygo playing for them.
In that case, Bellingham will have to play as a central midfield and share some defensive duties with Valverde and others.
Ancelotti is the right man to handle all of these stars
Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful manager in the history of the Champions League can convince players to embrace new roles. The Italian managed to convince Camavinga to play as a left-back and Tchouameni to play as a centre-back for a better combination of the team.
So, if anyone can manage stars like Mbappe, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham at once, it would be Carlo Ancelotti and as Florentino Pรฉrez has already said, they would be going for the 16th Champions League title next season.