OFFICIAL: Carlo Ancelotti makes a return at Bernabeu

Coach Carlo Ancelotti was seen in the stands at Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s victory over Levante in the 20th round of La Liga.

On January 17, Coach Carlo Ancelotti made his first visit back to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium since parting ways with Real Madrid. The Italian tactician was present in the stands to watch the match between Real Madrid and Levante in the 20th round of La Liga, but no longer stood in the familiar technical area. Instead, the 66-year-old coach sat in the VIP section within the private area reserved for President Florentino Perez.

According to reports from Spain, Ancelotti’s return to Madrid was purely professional. As the head coach of the Brazil national team, he is entering a crucial phase of monitoring the squad and preparing for the 2026 World Cup hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada. Brazil is placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti, a group that demands Selecao maintain full focus to reclaim their status as the world’s top team.

Ancelotti’s main purpose on this trip was to assess Vinicius’s form. The 25-year-old star is under considerable pressure due to a recent dip in performance and is also linked to transfer rumors following a 150 million Euro offer from Chelsea. With Rodrygo absent from this match, Ancelotti paid special attention to Vinicius, hoping to see the explosive form that once defined the player under his guidance.

Ancelotti’s player monitoring in Spain did not end in Madrid; his journey continued on Sunday, January 18, when he traveled to San Sebastian to watch the Real Sociedad versus Barcelona game. What surprised many Real Madrid fans was that Ancelotti focused on observing Raphinha, a player currently representing their biggest rival.

The Barcelona winger is performing exceptionally well under Hansi Flick, and Ancelotti understands that for Brazil to succeed at the upcoming World Cup, their key players competing in Spain must be in peak physical and mental condition. Observing a player from a fierce rival is uncomfortable but necessary for the ambition of helping the Samba team win their sixth star on the world football map.