The veteran came out on top.
Toni Kroos has revealed how Carlo Ancelotti outsmarted Pep Guardiola, and the one incident in particular that separates the two coaches.
Real Madrid ran out 3-1 winners against Manchester City on the night, with substitute Rodrygo scoring two goals at the end of the game to bring it to extra-time.
Karim Benzema then scored a penalty to win the tie for Madrid, sending them to the Champions League final.
It was the substitutes that made the difference for Madrid on the night, and Ancelotti was praised by many after the game for the way in which he made changes.
Kroos, who started central midfield and came off in the second-half, and he has explained how Ancelotti went about making the chances in the match.
Toni Kroos on Carlo Ancelotti
Speaking after the game, he said: “The coach himself had a few doubts about who he would bring on and who not to bring on.
“We (Madrid’s players) have all seen a few football games ourselves. That allows you to exchange ideas a bit.
“That describes him (Ancelotti) really well and why things always work well with the team. It’s outstanding. In the end he decides, but of course he’s interested in our opinion.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Given there are a number of criticisms being aimed at Guardiola about how much he micro-manages his teams, this level of responsibility and freedom proved to be the right way to go about things on the night.
Ancelotti trusting his players goes some way in explaining why they have so much faith in him, and how they are performing so well in Europe.
They will now face Liverpool in the Champions League final, where the next manager Ancelotti will need to outclass is the magnificent Jurgen Klopp.
During the week, an old clip went viral of Jamie Carragher debating whether Ancelotti or Klopp would be the better option for Liverpool to hire.
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