“Salmon, pasta and a nap” – Ancelotti reveals anti-stress pre-match routine

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has shared his pre-match routine leading up to the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

The 64-year-old revealed that he plans to stick to his customary pre-match meal of salmon and pasta before the crucial encounter with Dortmund on Saturday.

Ancelotti intends to follow this with a nap to rest and recharge before delivering his team talk to players such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.

Madrid boss revealed his pre-match routine ahead of the final, telling reporters: “I like to eat. Salmon and pasta. And then an hour-long nap, if I’m able (laughs).

Before the team talk, the heart begins to rise to 120 beats and is there until the start of the game, when it begins, it returns to its normal rhythm.

“We are going to focus on offensive and defensive work. The important thing is to have clear ideas of what to do. I have to give information to the players so that they are clear about what to do.

For them it is the best way to relieve stress, you don’t think about other things that can stress you out.”

Madrid secured their spot in the final after a thrilling two-legged semi-final victory over Bayern Munich.

The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw in Germany, but a late double from substitute Joselu sealed a 2-1 win for Los Blancos at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Ancelotti’s squad is now set to face Dortmund in the final, following the Bundesliga giants’ progression past Paris Saint-Germain in their own semi-final.

The final showdown between Madrid and Dortmund will be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, marking the culmination of the 2023-24 season for Ancelotti.

The seasoned manager, eyeing his fifth Champions League trophy, last lifted the prestigious title in 2022 when Vinicius Junior’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris.