Champions League Italian sends warning to former employers

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid they need to cut out their mistakes if they wish to lift the Champions League trophy this season.

Real's famous comeback against Wolfsburg allowed them to go through to the semi-finals of the of the competition, but the Italian doesn't believe they will be able to come back from a first leg defeat again.

"The Champions League doesn't give you second opportunities," Ancelotti said in a column in Sina Sports.

"If Madrid have to achieve another comeback in the semi-final it is going to be very difficult."

He also remarked on the game against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, where the 'champions curse' struck again as the Catalans crashed out to Atleti.

"It shows once again how difficult it is to defend the Champions League," Ancelotti added, "even if your team has Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez."

The former Real coach has also been impressed by Diego Simeone and praised Atletico for their "unity, solidarity and tactical discipline."