Munich – Carlo Ancelotti said he is relishing bidding for Real Madrid’s 10th European title after their historic 4-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final, second-leg.
Real blasted their way into the final 5-0 on aggregate and will face either neighbours Atletico Madrid or Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on May 24 in Lisbon as Bayern suffered their heaviest European home defeat on Tuesday.
Real centre-back Sergio Ramos produced two early bullet headers to put the visitors 2-0 up after 20 minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to complete the rout.
His brace left Ronaldo with a record 16 Champions League goals this season to eclipse the previous best tally of 14 in a season set by Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in 2011-12 and Jose Altafini of AC Milan in 1962-63.
Real, who last reached the European final in 2002, are now one game away from “La Decima” – their 10th European title - and Ancelotti is through to his fourth Champions League final as a coach, equalling the record.
“To reach the final after 12 years, that is a fantastic objective to have reached,” said the 54-year-old Ancelotti, who replaced Mourinho as Real coach at the start of the season.
“When I came to Madrid, there was a special atmosphere and you can feel the desire to win ‘La Decima’.
“The players were fantastic and we have to keep the same attitude for the final.
“This is one victory here and nothing else.
“We're happy to beat the defending champions, we managed to prevent them from scoring in either leg and controlled both matches very well, so we deserved the win.”
Having won the Champions League title in 2003 and 2007 with AC Milan, Ancelotti could face his former club Chelsea in the final after they host Atletico in Wednesday’s other semi-final.
“Chelsea are really strong and have a lot of confidence, but it doesn’t really matter who we’ll face, just that we are there,” he said having coached Chelsea from 2009-11.
The only downside to Real’s stunning win in Germany was the loss of Xabi Alonso for the final after he picked up his third booking of the campaign for a first-half foul.
“We’re sad to lose Xabi Alonso, not just for tactical reasons, but he’s also a big loss as a personality. We’re sad for him,” added Ancelotti.
Goal-scorer Ramos said it was a dream to reach the final.
“Today, Madrid went to a level that will be recognised across the world and to score two goals is a dream,” he said.
“The final is Lisbon is a dream. It has been a long time coming and we need to thank all our fans.
“I hope everyone at home is enjoying tonight.”
Having beaten Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Real can claim more silverware this season.
“There are still more games to come, but we want to just enjoy the moment, the expectations are now huge in Madrid,” said Real’s Welsh star Gareth Bale. – Sapa-AFP