Carlo Ancelotti conceded Real Madrid’s La Liga title defence is over after a bruising 4-3 El Clasico defeat at Barcelona.
Ancelotti’s defending champions landed in Catalonia needing a win to close the title gap to a single point in behind Hansi Flick’s pace setters.
Kylian Mbappe’s early double looked to put Los Blancos on course for a shock victory against the odds but Barcelona overpowered them before the break.
Four first half goals from Barcelona completely flipped the game on its head, as Real Madrid crumbled, and saw their title hopes slip away.
Even Mbappe clinching his hat trick could not drag Ancelotti’s team back into the contest and they end the weekend seven points behind La Blaugrana.
Ancelotti stated Real Madrid will battle on in their final three games of the campaign as he prepares to walk away this summer.
One more win will seal the title for Barcelona and hasten the process of Xabi Alonso arriving to replace Ancelotti in the Spanish capital.
After the game, Ancelotti was hit with questions about two of his Brazilian stars, as Vinicius Junior was forced off injured and Rodrygo Goes remained on the bench.
Vinicius set up two of Mbappe’s goals, but limped off in the closing stages, as Ancelotti opted for Enrick Felipe and debutant Victor Munoz over Rodrygo, as he chased the game.
Ancelotti confirms Rodrygo injury issue
Injury and illness meant Rodrygo was not fit enough to start and Ancelotti rejected rumours of an issue between himself and the club’s No.11.
“He recovered, but was not feeling well [that’s why he did not start],” as per quotes from Marca.
“There’s nothing there, I have zero problems with him. He wasn’t at 100%. If I put him on for five or seven minutes, if he’s not at 100%, he’s only getting injured.
“Vini could not finish the game, he has a sprained ankle.”
I see no reason why the nasty anceloti is still playing the dead legs lucas Vasquez, in defence. All the used players of Real Madrid, were completely backward, exception of K. Mbappe and Vinicus jnr. The goalkeeper was the worst of all. What a shame anceloti has brought to real madrid this season? It’s a bitter season for the Royal Club this whole football season. Wake up for the next season please.
The biggest problem is Lucas Vasquez. He is always lost at every game. He is the worst defender I ever seen.
Come down! We can’t and should not win every cup every year.
Thanks Ancelotti
Am very happy with Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius
But the guy is still good
I think he’s not the problem
For me the problem is the team’s pattern of playing, Barcelona has d anti dose for Madrid.
No defence ( Lamine vs Fran and Raphina vs Lucas?), no creator in midfield, no pressing, no low block and Vini repeatedly trying to run through a 3 man wall. Add to that Ancelotti’s loose pattern of playing (it was successful with the right players ) and you know this season’s results were completely valid. Flick’s team has obvious weaknesses but RM themselves were not in a place to even make a dent. It will most likely be corrected with new players and a talented coach… but you have to wonder about the arrogance of sacrificing this season for a long term plan because it gives Barca confidence again after being in the wilderness for so long. They deserve it though… the desperate efforts of the last 4 – 5 years have paid off. They have shown that a smart playing style is essential… it can be achieved with mostly kids in the squad as well.