Real Madrid’s turbulent 2024 is nearing its conclusion, with one final fixture remaining before the year ends. Despite a season of ups and downs, manager Carlo Ancelotti’s optimism is unmistakable as he reflects on the team’s progress.

Intercontinental Cup Triumph

At the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Real Madrid cemented its status as one of football’s greatest clubs by comfortably defeating Pachuca to claim the Intercontinental Cup. This marked the team’s second title of the season, having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup in August against Atalanta.

Ancelotti's Encouraging Words

“We will fight until the end. As always,” Ancelotti consistently said during the tough times. Following the Intercontinental victory, he struck an even more optimistic tone:

"It was important for us to stay alive until Christmas. Unfortunately, there’s one more match on the 22nd. But if we think back to a month and a half ago, after the Milan loss, this team has grown significantly in attitude and commitment. That gives me confidence for 2025. We’re alive."

The veteran manager also expressed relief after a grueling start to the season. The first four months were plagued by injuries—26 in total—including serious ACL tears suffered by Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão. Integrating Kylian Mbappé into the reigning European champions added to the challenge.

Unlike the “honeymoon season” he experienced last year, which Ancelotti described as the easiest of his managerial career, this campaign tested him. His tense demeanor during press conferences—serious and curt—has now given way to a more relaxed and even humorous outlook.

"In the first half of the season, I was more nervous than usual—not because of criticism, but because I didn’t like the team. I was on edge. In 2025, I’ll be back to normal," he said after the victory over Pachuca.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

After rediscovering some calm, the team faces anything but a calm finish. Up next is Sevilla in La Liga, where there is no room for error. A loss could widen the gap with the league leader, making the domestic title chase even more difficult.

The clash with Sevilla presents an opportunity to close out 2024 on a high note. It’s a year in which Real Madrid won five titles but also faced challenges that could define its next steps. January will bring a packed schedule with seven confirmed matches—potentially eight if they qualify for the Spanish Super Cup Final—testing their depth and readiness.

La Liga Standings Update

With 38 points and one more match played, FC Barcelona leads the table, tied with Atlético Madrid, which has a game in hand. Real Madrid trails by a single point in third place. The end-of-year fixtures could potentially shake up the standings, as the race for the top spot remains red-hot.