Julius OkorieThe possibility of Carlo Ancelotti leaving Real Madrid is gathering momentum, but not before Sunday’s (today’s) El Clásico, where the veteran coach will be hoping to sign off on a victorious note.
Real Madrid are set to bid farewell to one of the most decorated managers in their history, with plans for a grand send-off already in motion.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, who broke the news via 𝕏 earlier, May 9, Carlo Ancelotti and the club have reached a mutual agreement to part ways following the upcoming El Clásico.
Romano reported: “Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid will part ways with formal exit steps to follow after El Clásico. It’s over.”
The departure, he added, comes without any contractual disputes, as the Italian tactician has posed no resistance regarding his remaining salary for the season.
“No issues on extra-season salary as Ancelotti never created any problems on that”, the transfer expert said.
The 65-year-old has won multiple trophies across two spells with Los Blancos, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
The Italian sweat merchant has reigned over Real Madrid for six fruitful years, first joining the side from PSG for a 2013-2015 stay at the Bernabéu. Leaving to join Bayern Munich in 2016, Ancelotti returned to Madrid in 2021 enjoying a four-year uninterrupted second stay, in between he handled Napoli and Everton respectively.
His exit paves the way for a new chapter at the Bernabéu, with former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso expected to take over as head coach.
The highly regarded Spanish manager has impressed with his work at Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid see him as the ideal successor.
Ancelotti has been at home coaching several clubs, ten of them in total beginning with Reggiana in 1995.
He has never been involved in coaching national teams but this may happen this time, courtesy of his longstanding verbal agreement with the Brazilian national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The true position regarding this new venture will emerge properly after tonight’s El-Classico. It will be a plus no doubt for Ancelotti to clinch victory not that it is a big deal per se after all Real Madrid leads in head-to-head results in official competitive matches with 105 wins to Barcelona’s 103, with 52 draws as of the match played on 26 April 2025.
But if indeed he is leaving after this season, it would be good parting gift from the players, especially after crashing out in the year’s Champions League no thanks to aggregate 5-1 loss to Arsenal.
Barcelona are four points above second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La liga table with four matches remaining. Los Blancos lead sixth-placed Real Betis by 18 points in the Champions League race. All eyes will as usual be on the blockbuster clash between the perennial arch rivals at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys tonight.
Barcelona won their last LaLiga match 2-1 at Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla against Real Valladolid, extending their unbeaten streak to 15. Real Madrid’s last LaLiga match saw them triumph 3-2 over Celta de Vigo at home, their fourth straight win.
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Barcelona won the last LaLiga edition of El Clasico, emerging victorious 4-0 at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in October. Robert Lewandowski led Barça with goals in the 54th and 56th minute. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha also were on target.
The influence of Lewandowski has been important for Barcelona this season. The striker leads the club with 25 goals, with no other player managing more in the league, nine of those having been the critical first of the match.
Real Madrid’s most prolific player has been Kylian Mbappé, who has scored on 24 occasions, including eight match-opening goals. The striker ranks second for goals scored in the league in 2024/2025.
Hosts, Barcelona, have been tough to beat at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this season with 13 wins, one draw, and just three losses in 17 LaLiga contests.
Barça have a nine-match LaLiga home unbeaten streak dating to January 26 against Valencia.
Real Madrid have played away from home 17 times in the league this season, earning 32 points from 51 available. Los Blancos will be out to extend a three-match away winning streak. The last time they failed to win a LaLiga away game was March 1 against Real Betis.
In their last six league matches, Barcelona have won five and drawn one. Real Madrid, have won five and lost one in their last six.
It is a clash between two hardworking teams that never get tired of winning. Every contest between this two is serious and Sunday’s encounter will not be different.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
