Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media on Friday, discussing Atlético Madrid’s complaint to UEFA regarding the actions of key players Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos.
Initially just a rumour, Atlético Madrid’s complaint to UEFA has now been made official. Still struggling to digest their defeat in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid on 12 March, the Colchoneros’ management filed an official grievance. In addition to demanding explanations for Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty, Atlético’s officials submitted videos of Carlo Ancelotti’s players celebrating their victory with gestures deemed offensive.
Ancelotti refuses to panic
While this move was initially intended to justify their fans’ reaction—who threw objects onto the pitch—Atlético president Enrique Cerezo took it a step further by calling for sanctions. On Thursday, UEFA openly announced that it had assigned two inspectors to investigate the case involving the Madrid players before making a decision. With potential penalties ranging from a simple fine to a suspension from upcoming Champions League matches, Carlo Ancelotti remained composed.
When questioned about the matter during his pre-match press conference ahead of the La Liga clash against Leganés (Matchday 29), the 65-year-old Italian coach expressed confidence in European football’s governing body. “We trust UEFA. We believe everything was correct. We are waiting for UEFA to inform us, but we are confident that everything will be fine,” Ancelotti stated, as reported by Marca.
It must be said that Atlético Madrid’s approach is hardly surprising, given the rivalry and ongoing tensions between the two Madrid clubs. However, any decision beyond a fine for Vinicius, Ceballos, Mbappé, and Rüdiger would be completely disproportionate, if not scandalous. It is also worth noting that before and during the match, Vinicius was subjected to racist abuse, while players like Thibaut Courtois were also targeted by objects thrown from the stands.
“We will fight in every competition”
UEFA will need to be extremely cautious in its decision-making, as the Champions League quarter-finals are set to begin in just over a week. In any case, Carlo Ancelotti remains convinced that his team can still win all three competitions in which they remain involved. Despite Barcelona’s three-point lead in La Liga, the Madrid coach is determined to ensure his team wins all 17 remaining matches this season, including El Clásico.
“La Liga is not over. Barcelona have the advantage, but we have El Clásico, and there are still many games to play. We have to do our best, starting tomorrow. I hope we have 17 matches left, as that would mean we are fighting in every competition until the end,” he said. The message is clear. All eyes are now on Saturday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabéu against Leganés, a match Real Madrid will have to play without Thibaut Courtois.
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