07/03/2024
07/03/2024
MADRID, March 7, (AP): A tough day for Carlo Ancelotti ended on a good note as Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the fourth straight season despite a lackluster performance against Leipzig.
After being accused of tax fraud by Spanish tax authorities during the day, Ancelotti saw Madrid struggle in a 1-1 draw with Leipzig that was just enough to put the European powerhouse into the last eight thanks to the 1-0 win from the first leg in Germany three weeks ago.
Madrid was outplayed during parts of the match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, drawing some jeers from the home crowd, but held on to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Earlier, prosecutors in Madrid accused Ancelotti of defrauding Spanish tax authorities of 1 million euros in 2014 and 2015 during his first stint with the club. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months for the Italian coach, claiming he used a shell company to hide parts of his income from image rights.
Ancelotti addressed the accusations after the match and denied wrongdoing.
"It’s an old story that started eight years ago because of a tax declaration for 2015,” Ancelotti said. "The tax authority says that I was a resident at the time and I don’t think that I was a resident. I already paid the fine, the money is with them, and now the lawyers are talking to try to find a solution. I’m convinced that I’m innocent, that I was not a resident in 2015, and they think that I was a resident. Let’s see what the judge says.”
Ancelotti said the tax issue was not affecting him.
"Hopefully it can be resolved soon," he said. "I don’t have any problems, I’m very calm. The only problem I have is that the team has to play better.”
Ancelotti said it wasn't the best night for Madrid at the Bernabeu.