Zidane and Ancelotti reunite as rivals

ICC fixture set for New York's MetLife Stadium

Posted Thursday, August 04, 2016 by Marca.com

The duel between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be a reunion for Carlo Ancelotti and his former assistant Zinedine Zidane, who have both led Los Blancos to victory in the Champions League.

Wednesday night's showdown in New Jersey could also be billed as a prelude to next year's Champions League final with both teams among the favourites to win the continental showpiece.

These two European superpowers' paths have already crossed many times in the duel for the title. The Italian was in charge of the Spanish side when they won their 10th title after beating his present side in the semi-finals before defeating Atletico Madrid in the final, whilst Zidane led Real to victory for their historic Undecima.

Now the duo meet face to face as friends and European champions in this pre-season friendly.

It will be an extraordinary match because of the friendship and respect they have for one another with their mutual admiration beginning in Turin being consolidated in the year they worked together at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

During this time they enjoyed a lot of success and now Zidane has recovered the spirit of Ancelotti in the dressing room to great effect for the side to win two Champions Leagues in three years. Their special relationship continues to this day.

"His work in Madrid is fantastic," said Ancelotti of his former pupil .

"I learned a lot from him," stressed the Frenchman as he paid tribute to the now-Bayern coach after winning the 11th title.

"As Carlo said to me, to win the Champions League as a coach is something else."

Los Merengues have benefitted from the great connection between the two coaches.

The 57-year-old left his mark on the club - together with four titles - and the former France international has employed many of his concepts after being promoted to head the first team, particularly in dealing with the players.

During Wednesday night's match in the International Champions Cup, taking place on Thursday at 01:30 CET, there is bound to be an air of rivalry.