Carlo Ancelotti explains why ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ played at Bernabeu after game
Real Madrid’s decision to play ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ after they beat Liverpool in the Champions League was a show of respect from the hosts.
Los Blancos sealed their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition after a 78th minute goal fromKarim Benzema sealed a relatively straightforward 1-0 win at the Bernabeu.
But even before a ball was kicked on Wednesday night, the last-16 tie was all but over after Carlo Ancelotti’s thumped Liverpool for five at Anfield on February 21.
It was a resounding win for the hosts, who decided to pay a classy tribute to their opponents by playing their song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ over the PA system at full-time.
Initially, the decision raised eyebrows amongst some supporters, with suggestions that it was seen as ‘disrespectful’ after they beat their opponents 6-2 on aggregate.
But in his post-match interview, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti explained the full-time scenes.
“The tribute to Liverpool has been very good because they are a gentlemen’s club,” he told Movistar. “They honored Amancio in the first leg and it’s a fair gesture from our club towards them.”
Ahead to the first leg at Anfield last month, Liverpool laid flowers in tribute to Madrid legend Amancio Amaro following his death, aged 83.
Liverpool sign off from the Champions League to the sound of You’ll Never Walk Alone… 🎵#UCL pic.twitter.com/mwdvxuKX00
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 15, 2023
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” (YNWA) is a famous anthem song associated with the Liverpool Football Club. The song was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the musical “Carousel” in 1945, but it became popular with Liverpool supporters in the 1960s after it was covered by the Liverpool-based band Gerry and the Pacemakers. Since then, the song has been played at every Liverpool home game and has become an important symbol of the club’s history and values, representing solidarity, unity, and support for the team through both good times and bad.
Pretty special moment at full time whistle. Real Madrid playing You'll Never Walk Alone on the tannoy as a gesture of thanks to Liverpool for their gesture of support following the death of Madrid honorary president Amancio Amaro before the first leg. pic.twitter.com/DHO0gzqTFZ
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) March 15, 2023