Ancelotti Reveals Real Madrid's 15th European Cup Win Tougher Than Expected

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that winning the European Cup for a record-extending 15th time on Saturday was more challenging than anticipated. The Spanish champions secured a 2-0 victory over Germany's Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley, thanks to late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior.

"I never get used to it, because it was difficult, very difficult, more than expected," Ancelotti told Movistar Plus+. "In the first half we were a bit lazy, we had losses and they [Dortmund] were able to play how they wanted, but in the second half we were better and more balanced, with fewer losses."

Ancelotti expressed his joy and disbelief at the victory. "This is a dream that continues. I don't know what is going to happen tonight, but we are not going to sleep!" he added to TNT Sports. "It seems a dream but it is reality. Really happy for sure. A final is always like this [with good and bad parts of the game]. We were able to win, it was a fantastic season and we are really happy to be able to win the cup again."

When asked about Madrid's consistent success in the Champions League, Ancelotti attributed it to the club's history, tradition, and player quality. "It is the history and tradition of the club and of course the quality of the players. The club is a family, we work all together without problems and the atmosphere is really good in the dressing room," he said.

Ancelotti also praised the humility and teamwork within the squad. "I need to thank the club and the players, no big egos, really humble, it was not difficult to manage the squad this season," he added.

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Dani Carvajal acknowledged that Madrid had been fortunate in escaping from a challenging first half where Dortmund missed several good scoring opportunities. "After the first half we had, we didn't even deserve to go to the changing room with a level score, but this is football and we are very, very happy," said Carvajal, who scored the first goal by heading in Toni Kroos' corner.

Dortmund's Disappointment

For Dortmund, it marked another Champions League final loss at Wembley, which also hosted their 2013 defeat by Bayern Munich. Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel expressed his disappointment but also pride in reaching the final. "At the moment we are bitterly disappointed," said Kobel. "Against Real you don't get too many chances and they always become dangerous. We had our chances and should have done a bit more."

Kobel added that despite their disappointment, reaching the final was a significant achievement for Dortmund. "We are still disappointed, but 100% it was a huge success to come here and play this game, so we are very proud," he concluded.