Carlo Ancelotti might have secured a brilliant Champions League win over Man City but he still went against UEFA protocol in the aftermath.
Rules state that both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser with start times scheduled for 20 minutes after the end of the match.
But Ancelotti had other ideas, instead choosing to discuss the game at length with journalists in the mixed zone where players pass through on their way out of the stadium.
He did, however, conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.
Speaking in the mixed zone, Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.
“Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shoot-out we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy (Lunin) had a fantastic game.
“I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”
It’s yet to be seen what the ramifications of this will be, if there are any at all.
Ancelotti’s decision came following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Man City at the Etihad Stadium.
After playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, Rodrygo gave Real Madrid the lead in Manchester, before Kevin De Bruyne leveled the tie to send it to extra time and penalties.
Luka Modric missed his first spot-kick to give Man City the advantage, but missed kicks from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic meant that the it was Real Madrid who claimed a 4-3 win in the shootout.
As a result Los Blancos will face Bayern Munich – who defeated Arsenal over two legs – in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
But next up is the small matter of El Clasico against Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
It’s a result that could see them go 11 point clear of their rivals in LaLiga’s title race.