Ancelotti's Curse: Two Super Cup Finals Lost
Two of Carlo Ancelotti's fifteen titles with Real Madrid, the most decorated coach in the club's history, came in the Spanish Super Cup, won during his second spell in charge. However, he also has painful memories, such as losing in a derby against Atlético Madrid and a Clásico against Barcelona.
In his first stint, Ancelotti played in just one Spanish Super Cup during the 2014-15 season. Real Madrid, short on rhythm after pre-season, lost to Atlético in a tie full of mistakes, leaving a wound that wouldn’t heal until much later.
Eight years later, in 2022, the Italian coach got his revenge with the new Super Cup format, beating Barcelona in a Clásico decided by Fede Valverde in extra time (2-3). It was his first title since his return, and Real Madrid clinched it with a great performance against Athletic Club (2-0).
However, Ancelotti faced another tough setback in the 2023 Super Cup, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid (1-3) in a final where Xavi Hernández's side dominated and ended the Catalan club's title drought.
In 2024, Ancelotti redeemed his past disappointments with a great victory in the semifinals against Atlético Madrid and a spectacular final against Barcelona. Real Madrid left no room for doubt and claimed the title with a dominant 4-1 win, closing a long-awaited chapter in the Super Cup.
Now, in his fifth participation, Ancelotti aims for a full set of titles after winning the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Following a rocky start to the season, Real Madrid is emerging as the strong contender to retain the title and add another trophy to their collection.