Carlo Ancelotti sends a message: Real Madrid is stronger than ever

Real Madrid coach motivates his team with Manchester City on the horizon in the Champions League

Carlo Ancelotti repeated a determined phrase twice in 24 hours, a message loaded with optimism and strength. «We are better than ever,» said the Los Blancos coach when discussing the Champions League draw and the tremendous quarter-final clash with Manchester City.

The clash between the two big favorites and the last two winners of the competition is eagerly anticipated and Real Madrid are out for revenge after the crushing 4-0 defeat handed to them in the 2022/23 semifinals.

So, the sentence was repeated in the press room of El Sadar after his team cemented their place at the top of LaLiga by extending the gap to second-placed Girona before heading off to the international break.

And here's why the grand Italian might be spot on…

The Brazilian's form is spectacular. Not even the noise generated around him, which he does plenty to silence, can overshadow evidence: we are facing the best version of the Brazilian.

In the win against Osasuna (March 16) he showed his best skills as he scored two goals and could have scored two or three more. His runs down the left flank can only be compared to those of Mbappe and his reading of the game is increasingly developed.

And in terms of goals, Vinicius Jr. is already on 18, just five short of the 23 that marked his ceiling last season as he competes with Jude Bellingham for the golden boot in the league.

«He is much better without the ball,» Ancelotti sad. «Which is something he was lacking.»

Bellingham has been Real Madrid's franchise player this season. In the last stretch, between injuries and suspension, Ancelotti has been without his top scorer (20 goals). But whenever the Englishman