Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference for the first leg against Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference for the first leg against Manchester City.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended the club’s decision not to attend last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. (More Football News)solare

Real decided not to attend the ceremony in Paris last October, in protest against Vinicius Junior not being given the award, with the prize going to Manchester City’s Rodri.

This will be the first time both sides have faced since the incident, but Ancelotti insists there are no regrets within the club, despite the 65-year-old being unable to collect his coach of the year award in person.

"I don't think it was the wrong decision," he said.

"We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d'Or. It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before."

@MrAncelotti pic.twitter.com/JqQHnKpAkc

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 10, 2025

City manager Pep Guardiola wants both clubs to move past the situation.

He said: “I was happy for Rodri but Vinicius made an extraordinary year as well.

“He could deserve it, like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for it. So, the subject is over.”

Despite City’s struggles in the league, with Guardiola’s side in fifth place, Ancelotti was full of praise for his opposite number and the work he had done for the club.

On the other hand, China have qualified for their maiden Asian Champions Trophy final. Their journey to the summit clash has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with a defeat to India but bounced back with a 4-2 win over Malaysia. The hosts then faced a 2-3 loss to South Korea and were also routed 5-1 by Pakistan in the pool stage.

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The youngster displayed goalkeeping masterclass in the shoot-out, saving all four of Pakistan’s attempts after the match was drawn 1-1 in regulation time.

He said: “I still think they are one of the best teams in Europe and have one of the best managers out there. He has always tried to play well and has brought a great deal to football in terms of attacking play.

“He is an innovator and I continue to believe in him. It's a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”solare