The clock had ticked just past 11.30PM when the UEFA representative informed the written media that Carlo Ancelotti would not be conducting a post-match press conference and that he would simply be going through the mixed zone instead. Yes, it was late but this was Ancelotti doing it his own way.
Minutes before, Pep Guardiola had discussed how he felt his Manchester City side could not have done any more to break through Real Madrid. ‘We played exceptional in all departments,’ he said. ‘They defended so deep with incredible solidarity.