Zidane or Ancelotti: Who has the best record against Barcelona?

Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, two iconic figures of Real Madrid, have faced FC Barcelona numerous times in the legendary El Clásico. But between the Italian and the Frenchman, who boasts the better record in these high-stakes matches?

The Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona is one of the most-watched matches in the world. It pits two of the most prestigious clubs against each other, each with diametrically opposed playing styles. Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, both legendary managers of Real Madrid, have left their mark on their respective eras with distinct philosophies.

However, their performances against their eternal Catalan rival differ significantly. While Ancelotti is a seasoned tactician, Zidane is renowned for his ability to handle the pressure of big matches.

Carlo Ancelotti, a mixed record against FC Barcelona

Carlo Ancelotti has been in the spotlight recently. After losing the preseason Clásico in the USA, the Italian manager suffered two humiliating defeats in official matches this season. First, a crushing 0-4 loss at the Bernabéu in La Liga, followed by a 2-5 thrashing in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah. After this latest setback, Ancelotti has now managed 18 official Clásicos during his two stints at Real Madrid. His record is mixed: 9 wins, 0 draws, and 9 losses.

Ancelotti’s teams have scored 34 goals against FC Barcelona but conceded 37. While his victories are memorable, such as the 3-1 win in La Liga during the 2021-2022 season, his defeats have sometimes been brutal. The recent 5-2 humiliation in the Spanish Super Cup is a perfect example. Out of a possible 54 points in Clásicos, Ancelotti has secured only 27, resulting in a 50% efficiency rate. While respectable, this figure reflects a certain inconsistency in his clashes against the Blaugrana.

Zinedine Zidane, impressive efficiency against FC Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane, on the other hand, boasts a significantly better record against FC Barcelona. In 11 official Clásicos, the Frenchman has recorded 6 wins, 3 draws, and only 2 losses. Under his leadership, Real Madrid scored 19 goals and conceded 13. Zidane’s teams always seemed well-prepared to face the Culés, combining tactical discipline with offensive efficiency.

With 21 points out of a possible 33, Zidane achieved a 63% efficiency rate. His ability to manage high-pressure matches is often praised, as evidenced by his 2-0 victory at Camp Nou in 2020, a memorable performance in La Liga. Moreover, Zidane’s tenure at Real Madrid coincided with the peak of FC Barcelona’s dominance, when the team still had Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Despite Barça’s frequent La Liga triumphs, Zidane’s Real Madrid consistently held their own, even as Barça struggled in the Champions League.

Iconic Clásicos under Ancelotti and Zidane

During his first stint, Carlo Ancelotti made headlines with a spectacular 2-1 victory in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. This match is famously remembered for Gareth Bale’s goal, where he sprinted the length of the field to score the decisive goal. In April 2016, in his first Clásico as manager, Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou. This win marked a turning point in his career, solidifying his authority at the helm of the club.

In January 2025, Carlo Ancelotti endured one of his worst Clásicos. FC Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, handed Real Madrid a crushing 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final. This loss reignited debates about Ancelotti’s ability to manage high-stakes matches. While Ancelotti is known for his pragmatism, often adjusting his tactics based on the opponent, this approach hasn’t always worked against a tactically stable Barça side. Zidane, meanwhile, relied on a balance between attack and defense, trusting his key players while adapting to the opponent’s strengths. This strategy, combined with his legendary calmness, often outsmarted Barça.

Why Zidane outshines Ancelotti against FC Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane’s superiority over Ancelotti in Clásicos is no coincidence. His success rests on three major pillars: managing key moments, tactical adaptability, and offensive efficiency. First, Zidane excels in high-pressure situations. His teams, even during less convincing periods, always rise to the occasion in Clásicos. This composure allows them to handle the pressure and maintain control against a demanding opponent like Barça.

Second, his tactical approach is balanced. Zidane alternates between defensive solidity and quick transitions, constantly adapting his plans to exploit Barça’s weaknesses while minimizing errors. Finally, Zidane relies on the efficiency of his stars. Under his leadership, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema consistently delivered against Barça. He knows how to motivate his leaders and instill the confidence needed to perform in crucial matches. This combination of qualities places Zidane above Ancelotti in Clásicos. While Ancelotti is brilliant in many respects, he sometimes struggles in matches where intensity and tactical precision are paramount.

What’s next for Carlo Ancelotti?

The 5-2 thrashing in the Spanish Super Cup has left Carlo Ancelotti in a precarious position. While his Clásico record is far from disastrous, it pales in comparison to Zidane’s. The Frenchman set a high standard in clashes against Barça, a benchmark Ancelotti has struggled to meet.

This defeat in Saudi Arabia not only exposed tactical weaknesses but also revealed a sense of fatigue in the locker room and an inability to contain Barça’s offensive firepower. Ancelotti, known for his man-management skills, now faces a dual challenge: regaining his players’ trust and adjusting his tactics to stop the bleeding.

The season is still long, and the Italian manager has time to turn things around. In La Liga, Real Madrid still has a chance to win the title. However, it’s in the Champions League where Ancelotti must prove he remains one of the top strategists in modern football. A strong performance in this competition could ease tensions and reinforce his status, especially as Real Madrid is currently under pressure in the tournament.

But every upcoming Clásico will be a decisive test. Another humiliation against Barça could seal his fate. At a club as demanding as Real Madrid, results are everything. If Ancelotti fails to reverse the trend, rumors of an early departure could materialize. For the Italian, the future is clear: he must prove he can still compete with the best, or the Casa Blanca might already be searching for his successor, with Xabi Alonso reportedly a top candidate for next season.