Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his opposite number Diego Simeone ahead of Los Blancos’ Round of 16 Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Both sides have already met on three occasions this season, locking horns twice in La Liga and once in the Copa del Rey. Both La Liga games ended in a draw while Real Madrid suffered a 4-2 defeat against their city rivals.
Ancelotti’s Los Blancos have also endured some bit of difficulty against Simeone’s Los Colchoneros. They have managed just one win in their last seven domestic games against Atletico Madrid.
However, Real have fared better against Atleti on the European front, winning all four of their previous meetings in the UEFA Champions League including triumphs in the 2014 and 2015 finals.
Ahead of his fourth meeting with Simeone this season, Ancelloti had high praise for his Argentine counterpart.
“My first memory of him is as a footballer with Lazio, when he scored against Juventus I was a coach in a game that was for the league title,” said Ancelotti.
“Lazio won and they took the championship, I think it was 2000.
“Now, as a coach, I respect him a lot. He’s a great manager. He has done very well at Atletico, taken them to the highest level in Europe.
“I like the way he reads the games, how he gets the team on the pitch, the strategy, the commitment his team has defensively. I like all of these aspects a lot.
“It’s going to be a close tie that will be decided in the second leg. The objective tomorrow is to play well and take an advantage.
“The match will be even and competitive, as a Madrid derby always is. It’s a special match in terms of emotions and the pressure you feel ahead of a big rivalry game.”
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