Carlo Ancelotti pluckily navigated Real Madrid to their 14th European Cup glory with a narrow 1-0 win over Liverpool in Paris.
The Italian supremo laid claim to the fact that it’s ‘easier’ to win the Champions League with Real Madrid than other clubs after thwarting Liverpool’s plans in Paris.
The Reds were obviously hopeful of clinching a treble and make up for their 2018 final defeat to the La Liga giants in Kiev, but this was again not to be despite creating far more chances than their opponents. Vinicius Junior scored the only goal from Real Madrid’s only shot on target as they ran out 1-0 winners.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Ancelotti admitted he had doubts that his side would emerge victorious as Liverpool continued to threaten Thibaut Courtois’ goal. But when the tide turned in his favor with the Reds unable to find a way past the Belgian, he paid tribute to his side as Real Madrid won the European Cup for the 14th time in their history.
“I said to Thibaut ‘I’ll get you to the final and then you’ll win us the match.’ That is what happened,” he said. “Today the game was difficult but not as difficult as previous games because we didn’t have to come back with the score.
“Yes, I had doubt but the players didn’t have doubt. The players believed, believed, believed. We were under-control and tactically we worked well. Liverpool put pressure on us, shot a lot of times but we managed the game well.
“Liverpool are a great team, they haven’t lost many games this season. I think it is easier to win the Champions League with Real Madrid than with other clubs.
“The fans are special and born with a passion for the club. The structures at the club make this a special place. It has been very easy to coach this team.”