Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, has said that Atletico Madrid deserved to defeat Chelsea in their Champions League semi-finals and qualify for the final, where they will face each other.
A day before, Real secured their place with a 5-0 aggregate win over holders Bayern Munich, while their city rivals Atleti beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, after a goalless draw in Spain.
“Everyone in Madrid is happy and there are no favourites for the final,” he told Sky Italia. “Atletico deserve to be there, they were simply better [than Chelsea].
“Anyone who has been to a final knows there are no favourites. It will be a close game.”
Ancelotti also insisted that he is relishing the prospect of a derby encounter, and is looking forward to the challenge of ending Madrid’s long wait for Champions League success.
“I’m excited. I live in a world where you get to enjoy these positive moments. It’s a great success getting to the Champions League final with Madrid after 12 years.
“I feel good. It’s important because it allows you to see things in the right way. I don’t have personal ambitions. I’m working at a club that’s perhaps the biggest in the world.”