Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelloti was quite critical of his team’s performance following their disappointing 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Super Cup final, on Sunday.
Los Blancos went into the second El Classico tie on Sunday with their tails up, having won the Club World Cup in December. However, they were left for dead by a motivated Barcelona side.
Real Madrid opened the scoring through Kylian Mbappe after just five minutes of play. But their lead did not last, as Barcelona clapped back almost immediately. Lamine Yamal scored the equalizer for the Balugrana in the 22nd minute. Then, Robert Lewandoski, Raphina, and Alejandro Balde scored before halftime to make it 4-1.
The former Spanish champions scored again three minutes into the second half, courtesy of Raphinha.
It probably could have been more if not for a questionable Wojciech Szczesny red card. Real Madrid could now do much with the advantage though, as Barcelona put up a tough front, only allowing one goal in.
It eventually ended 5-2 after 90 minutes, and coach Ancelotti was left unimpressed by his team’s performance. The Italian criticized his side’s attitude to defending.
“We have to face reality, they scored very easily and we were not able to work on a collective or individual level because we lost many duels, but that’s football,” Ancelotti said, per Le Journal du Real.
“We are sad and disappointed and it is the sadness of our fans, but we have to look to the future because there is another challenge to face. We have to get back on track,” he added.
With the defeat, Real Madrid will be hoping to regain their footing when they face Celta Vigo in a Copa del Rey Round of 16 encounter on Thursday. While Barcelona will take on Getafe on Wednesday
Oluseye Apanisile is an experienced social media manager and sports journalist with a strong background in managing successful digital campaigns and engaging sports audiences. He has a proven ability to drive social media growth, enhance brand visibility, and create compelling narratives that resonate with fans. His expertise in both journalism and digital media makes him a valuable asset in the sports industry, combining strategic thinking with a passion for storytelling.
