According to reports, Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid has been seriously jeopardized following the team’s elimination in the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal. The Champions League is Real Madrid’s primary objective every season, but it is not the only criterion. The Copa del Rey and La Liga also play a role in decision-making. Real Madrid did not win the Copa del Rey, which is bad news for Ancelotti, although the team’s relatively strong performance in the final may work in his favor. However, La Liga is still undecided, and not all is lost for Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has always stated that if it were up to him, he would never leave Madrid. He recently emphasized that even if he is dismissed, he will not leave with resentment but will thank Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez for the opportunity they gave him after his first successful stint (which included winning La Décima). He has publicly announced that he will discuss his situation with the club at the end of the season.

Winning La Liga and closing the gap with Barcelona would be a strong argument for his stay. But he knows he faces a decisive date: El Clásico at Montjuïc on Sunday, May 12 (17:45 Tehran time).

A week before El Clásico, Real must defeat Celta at home to maintain pressure on Barcelona. It is unlikely that Barcelona will drop points against Valladolid, who have already been relegated, but it is not impossible. Any scenario that leads Real Madrid to the La Liga title must include a victory in El Clásico at Barcelona. By sunset on that Sunday, Ancelotti will know whether he has a chance to keep his job (at least until the Club World Cup in June and July) or if he must consider a new destination.

If Ancelotti departs, his destination will likely be Brazil. The Brazilian Football Confederation continues to pressure him, and a representative from the federation has closely watched several Real Madrid matches, including the game against Arsenal and the Copa del Rey final. If Ancelotti’s departure is confirmed, Brazil wants to secure his services quickly after two years of pursuit.