Carlo Ancelotti Relying on 'Mental Strength' for Real Madrid's Victory against Atletico Madrid in Champions League

"The match will be closely contested and decided by minor details, as it has always been when facing Atletico. Tomorrow will be no different."

The Italian coach said if the tie comes down to a penalty shoot-out, his team's mental strength will be more important than their technical ability.

"I've had players who shoot penalties very well but they didn't have the right feeling going into a shoot-out," explained Ancelotti.

"The mental aspect is more important than the technical side... I've won Champions Leagues with defenders who scored penalties."

Ancelotti, who led AC Milan to glory as a coach in 2003 and 2007, before lifting the competition with Real Madrid in 2014, 2022 and 2024, also said he did not mind if one of his players does not want to take a spot kick.

"It's not bad if someone says they don't want to take one -- you have to take the responsibility when you're feeling right," he added.

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Last season Atletico Madrid fought back in the last 16 to beat Inter Milan on penalties after losing the first leg in Italy.

Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe missed penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao towards the end of 2024 during moments of low confidence, but has hit form since.

However he failed to score in the first leg against Atletico on a quiet night for the French superstar and came in for criticism.

"Kylian wants to score in, and win, every game," said his compatriot, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

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"It's wild to hear (people say) he has had difficult days because he didn't score in a couple of games, if he scores tomorrow, everyone will say he's an incredible player.

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"Kylian doesn't need advice from anyone, he's happy, he's scored a lot of goals and he will score a lot more."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)