Ancelotti is still hopeful that Real will place in the top eight of the Champions League

Despite slumping in 20th position with two games remaining, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated on Tuesday that he still thinks his club has a chance to finish in the top eight of the 36-team Champions League table.

After winning record-breaking La Liga and Champions League crowns during their incredible season the previous year, Real Madrid had a sluggish start to defending their European title, dropping three of their first five games.

Ancelotti believes they can escape a playoff and make it straight to the last 16 if they win their next two games, which are against Salzburg on Wednesday and Brest the following week, despite being four points outside the top eight after a 3-2 victory against Atalanta.

“Winning the next two games is the only viable option,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

“Obviously, taking first place tomorrow is crucial since the group stage is almost over. Let’s acquire as much as we can now, and then we’ll look at it. We will attempt to perform well tomorrow, which is crucial.

We will, however, give it our all if we are forced to compete in the two-leg knockout playoffs. Considering that we are accustomed to the timetable, which will be considerably more rigorous.”

In spite of his satisfaction with his attacking line, Ancelotti emphasized that his team still needed to strengthen its defense in order to compete for the Champions League crown.

“It’s hard to give a grade from one to 100 to the team right now,” he commented.

“We’re doing great offensively, but we need to do much more defensively. This will be the secret to this season’s success. If we do that, we will compete in every competition to the very end.

Our team is really complete, and we were inspired by what transpired the previous year when the departures increased the degree of dedication. “This year, we’re prepared to fight for it all again.”

After midfield talisman Toni Kroos retired at the end of the previous season, defensive mainstay and captain Nacho joined Al-Qadsiah, a Saudi Pro League team.