Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has declared the team reaching the Champions League final as “magical’’.
Madrid are in the final 4-3 on aggregate as Joselu struck twice in the last minutes to win the second-leg 2-1.
Ancelotti said, “It’s happened again. Something that has happened time after time, which is inexplicable, has happened again. A set of fans who drive us, a stadium that supports us, a stunning atmosphere and a group of players who believe. It’s magical. We played well, I think it was a tough game but we had control, we didn’t lose our heads when they scored and we got back into it.
“I’d like to the fans, the club and above all, the players, they’ve delivered a season nobody expected, myself included. I didn’t imagine that this squad would be capable of what they’ve achieved. Making the final… we’re going to have a great time with the fans because we’re going to celebrate LaLiga in the coming days, I want a time to celebrate, to go to Cibeles. There’s a happiness which is contagious for the players.
“It’s hard to explain. Impossible to explain. It’s the magic of this club in this competition, at this stadium and with these fans. It’s special. When you pull on this jersey, you feel something special. The fans made the difference tonight, like they have in the past. It almost feels like a habit to do this at this magnificent stadium in front of these magnificent fans. We’re delighted to be able to play at this stadium with our fans.
“Real Madrid is a family, managed brilliantly by the president. It is a football club with history and traditions that has an impact on all those who are lucky enough to work here and wear these colours. Florentino Pérez is the captain and we are all his sailors. He’s a superb president, capable of creating this generation of footballers, who have achieved so much and I hope we can win another Champions League.”
Speaking on Joselu, Ancelotti said: “He’s a reflection of the team because he has contributed so much this season. He hasn’t had a lot of game time but he’s the perfect reflection of what this team is all about. He has given us so much, without ever losing confidence in what he’s capable of.”
