Carlo Ancelotti: “We lost because of the small details”

Real Madrid welcomed Sheriff to the Santiago Bernabeu this evening for their first Champions League tie at their newly-renovated home. The Spaniards went into the game hoping to prevent an upset and secure a straightforward victory; they didn’t manage that. Instead, the visitors incredibly won 2-1.

🤍 HALA MADRID 🤍 pic.twitter.com/htSpbQjBal

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 28, 2021

Madrid sit top of La Liga, a point clear of second-placed Real Sociedad and three clear of both third-placed Sevilla and fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, last season’s champions. They won their opening Champions League tie late on, beating Inter 1-0 at San Siro. Sheriff, third in the Moldovan National Division, won their opening tie 2-0 against Shakhtar Donetsk.

It was the visitors that took a 25th minute lead. Sheriff broke quickly on a counter-attack before teeing up Djasur Yakhshibaev to score. Madrid got back on level terms in the 65th minute. Unsurprisingly, it was Karim Benzema who converted the penalty. But it wasn’t over; Sheriff managed to regain their lead and win the game in the 89th minute through Sebastien Thill.

🏁 FP: @realmadrid 1-2 @FotclubSheriff
⚽ @Benzema 65'; Yakhshiboev 25', Thill 89'#Emirates | #UCL pic.twitter.com/oSyqwPPldi

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 28, 2021

“We’re sad more than we are worried,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said post-match in comments carried by Marca. “We played with intensity, commitment. We lost because of the small details. The team played well, but we could be more precise in the final third. It’s difficult to explain. [Sheriff] defended well and knew how to be decisive with the small details.”