Ancelotti eyeing 'extraordinary' Botafogo clash
Real Madrid are already in the final of the Intercontinental Cup, with manager Carlo Ancelotti revealing his preferred opponent in Qatar.
Botafogo beat Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to win its first title in the famous competition, despite seeing Gregore sent off inside 30 seconds for a high tackle on Fausto Vera.
Luiz Henrique and Alex Telles put Botafogo two goals in front before Eduardo Vargas reduced the deficit, only for Junior Santos to seal the win in second-half injury time.
The Intercontinental Cup, which takes place in Qatar at the end of this month, will see the champions of all six confederations square off for a chance to play Madrid in the final.
Botafogo will play CONCACAF champion Pachuca, with the winner of that encounter taking on the African-Asian-Pacific Cup winner, Al Ahly.
Los Blancos are already in the tournament's showpiece on 18 December after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, claiming its 15th title.
"I watched the match (Libertadores final) live and really enjoyed it," Ancelotti told a press conference.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere. I was mesmerised. An incredible first minute of the game, with that incredible flying kick (that earned Gregore a red card).
"Then the team's (Botafogo's) attitude and commitment were extraordinary. They played a fantastic match down to 10 men."
Ancelotti was also happy for Botafogo midfielder Allan, who he managed during his time in charge of Napoli and Everton.
The Italian is hoping for a reunion with his former player, saying: "I'm happy for Allan who won the Libertadores with Botafogo, which is a historic team in Brazilian football.
"For them to be able to finally win the Libertadores for the first time. Yes, I was delighted!
"I know they still have a couple of games to fight for and reach the (Intercontinental Cup) final but yes, it would be great if it's them against us."
Up first for Ancelotti and Madrid is a trip to the San Mames Barria to face Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga.
Madrid recovered from its loss to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek by beating Getafe 2-0, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham on target.
That result moved Los Blancos to within a point of rivalsBarcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of having a game in hand over its Clasico rivals.
Ancelotti, however, has seen his side suffer several injuries this season, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao all missing.
But Ancelotti was able to provide a positive injury update on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has missed the last four games in all competitions with an ankle injury.
"To have Aurelien back is really important because of his role, so versatile defensively, can play as a centre-back or holding midfielder," added the Italian.
"Also, his height is key for us while defending set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we have suffered since Eder Militao went down."
