UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Real Madrid now close to top form, says Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Brest clash

UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Real Madrid now close to top form, says Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Brest clash

European champion Real Madrid is very close to hitting its best form, manager Carlo Ancelotti said ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash at French side Brest.

Real is 16th in the Champions League standings with 12 points after four wins and three losses from seven games, while Brest is 13th with 13 points. Real and Brest are both guaranteed at least a playoff spot for the chance to reach the last 16.

Ancelotti’s side lost 1-0 at Lille in its last Champions League trip to France in October. It is now on a four-game winning streak in all competitions following a 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Jan. 12.

“We were not at our best level yet, but now we’re pretty close. Everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and we’ve improved as a group,” the Italian told reporters on Tuesday.

“The individual contributions have also been significant. Especially (Kylian) Mbappe, of course, but we can’t forget Rodrygo, (Jude) Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. All of this gives me more peace of mind,” he added.

Ancelotti heaped praise on France forward Mbappe, who has scored 21 goals in 31 games across all competitions since moving to Madrid, including three goals and an assist in the Champions League.

“Mbappe took some time to adapt but now he’s in great shape. So motivated. He enjoys playing with his teammates, and we’re enjoying it,” the 65-year-old added.

Real could still secure a direct spot in the last 16 with a top-eight finish but it has to overtake Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Brest, Lille, Feyenoord, Monaco, Aston Villa, and Bayer Leverkusen, who are all ahead of it in the table.

“We are not going to speculate or keep an eye on other teams’ matches. We are going to win and see what happens,” Ancelotti said.

Teams finishing ninth to 24th go into the playoffs on February 11-12 and 18-19. The draw for the two-legged games is on Friday.

“We’ll only focus on ourselves. Winning and trying to finish as high as possible. Then, as for the draw, we will see what happens,” Ancelotti added.