Carlo Ancelotti etched his name into football history by guiding Real Madrid to a 1-0 Champions League final victory over Liverpool, extending the Spanish club's record 14th European title on May 28. The win marked Ancelotti's fourth Champions League triumph as a manager, making him the only coach to achieve the feat.
Madrid's journey to Paris featured dramatic comebacks against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu. The final faced delays due to security issues outside the Stade de France, but Ancelotti's composure under pressure proved decisive.
A controversial offside decision ruled out Karim Benzema's first-half goal, yet Ancelotti remained composed. "I am a record man," he said, emphasizing his satisfaction with returning to Madrid for a "spectacular season." The victory ended Liverpool's quadruple hopes, leaving them with only the League Cup and FA Cup.
Vinicius Junior scored the 59th-minute winner from Fede Valverde's cross, while Thibaut Courtois' crucial saves, including a stop against Mohamed Salah, sealed Madrid's triumph. This victory added to Ancelotti's historic season, during which he became the first manager to win titles in Europe's top five leagues.
Ancelotti's Champions League success spans his tenure with AC Milan (2003), Chelsea (2012), and Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2022), solidifying his legacy as the competition's most decorated manager. His achievement surpasses Zinedine Zidane's three titles between 2016 and 2018.
