After a thrilling comeback against Premier League opponents in the last four, the Blancos are gearing up for another Champions League final.
Toni Kroos has revealed that he was involved in both on and off the field in Real Madrid’s remarkable Champions League victory over Manchester City, with the German midfielder advising Carlo Ancelotti on second-half substitutions during a tense semi-final match at Santiago Bernabeu.
After Riyad Mahrez put the Blues two goals up on aggregate, the Blancos appeared to be out of the game heading into the final stages, but a stoppage-time brace from Rodrygo forced the tie into extra-time.
In the 68th minute, the Brazilian came on for World Cup winner Kroos, paving the way for Karim Benzema to convert an extra-time penalty to send Real through.
The Brazilian’s vast experience was put to good use on the touchline as members of the playing and coaching staff put their heads together.
Prior to his withdrawal with 22 minutes remaining on the clock, the 32-year-old had had little impact on proceedings, but he was happy to assist Ancelotti when it came to making big calls from the bench.
“The coach himself had a few doubts about who he would bring on and who he would not bring on,” Kroos later told DAZN.
“We (Madrid’s players) have all seen a few football games ourselves. That allows you to exchange ideas a bit.
“That describes him (Ancelotti) really well and why things always work well with the team. It’s outstanding. In the end he decides, but of course he’s interested in our opinion.”
