'I am very happy' -Ancelotti dreams of meeting Brazilian club in Intercontinental Cup

'I am very happy' -Ancelotti dreams of meeting Brazilian club in Intercontinental Cup

Hassan Abdulsalam 18:16 - 03.12.2024

The Italian tactician even expressed hopes of facing Botafogo in the Intercontinental Cup

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his admiration for Botafogo following their Copa Libertadores victory.

The Brazilian club's victory, achieved against all odds after a red card in the opening minute, has captivated the football world.

Carlo Ancelotti || Image credit: Imago

The Italian tactician even expressed hopes of facing Botafogo in the upcoming Intercontinental Cup, a tournament that pits the champions of different confederations against each other.

"I know they still have a couple of games to fight for and reach the (Intercontinental Cup) final but yes, it would be great if it's them against us.

"I watched the match live and really enjoyed it. It was a fantastic atmosphere, I was mesmerized. An incredible first minute of the game, with that incredible flying kick (that earned Gregory a red card). Then the team's attitude and commitment were extraordinary.

"They played a fantastic match down to 10 men. I'm very happy for Allan who won the Libertadores with Botafogo, which is a historic team in Brazilian football," Ancelotti said via Reuters.

Turning his attention to Real Madrid's domestic campaign, Ancelotti provided an update on the team's injury situation.

He confirmed that midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has recovered from an ankle injury and will be available for the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao.

"To have Aurelien back is really important because of his role, so versatile defensively, can play as a centre-back or holding midfielder. Also his height is key for us while defending set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we have suffered since Eder Militao went down (with a season-ending ACL tear)," Ancelotti said.

Real Madrid remains in contention for the La Liga title. With Barcelona's form faltering, the race for the championship is heating up.

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