Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is under fire at the Santiago Bernabeu Reuters

Former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti faces a decisive duel over his future at Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on 22 April, reports in Spain claim.

The Italian boss led the Spanish giants to victory in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey last season, his debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu, after replacing Jose Mourinho, who had failed to win any silverware during the previous campaign.

But Ancelotti's future has been under scrutiny in recent times due to Real Madrid fading in the second half of the season. Reports claim Manchester City are monitoring the situation and state he is on a shortlist of candidates, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Rafa Benitez, to replace Manuel Pellegrini.

Los Blancos were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid, while Barcelona beat them in the recent La Liga Clasico to face the last part of the campaign as the favourites to win the league, being two points ahead of with just six games remaining.

Spanish newspaper AS claims the game against Diego Simeone's side will be instrumental in determining whether the Italian will be at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.

After a 0-0 draw in the first leg played at the Vicente Calderon, Ancelotti's side need a victory against their noisy neighbours to go through to the semi-finals.

The Spanish reports claimed that should Madrid fail the test, only winning La Liga will be enough to see him continue on at Real Madrid, while if his side makes the semi-finals, it will just help him extend his time at the club.

On several occasions, the Italian manager has claimed he is not concerned about his job. And when asked during the preview of the Atletico Madrid game whether the season at stake, he said: "It's an important game for the club, for the players and the fans. We have the opportunity to reach the semi-finals and to aspire to another final.

"It will be an even game and hard-fought in every aspect. Atlético are under no pressure to score quickly and neither are we. We intend to play well from start to finish."

Meanwhile the Italian manager played down the number of absentees to face the game; Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are injured, while Marcelo misses out due to suspension.

Ancelotti said: "We have to live with injuries. We've had them before and for important games. Bale, Cristiano and Alonso weren't available for important games last season. I'm convinced that the squad is in good shape and fresh."