Ancelotti: Real Madrid Was Not on the Field

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment following his team’s 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. The Italian tactician described the performance as unacceptable, citing defensive lapses and a lack of intensity as key reasons for the defeat.

"We didn’t play like Real Madrid today," Ancelotti admitted during the post-match press conference. "Our defensive structure was poor, and we allowed Barcelona too much space to exploit. Matches like this are difficult to accept, but they also remind us of the areas where we need to improve."

Barcelona dominated the game from the outset, scoring three goals in the first half and maintaining control throughout. Despite a late rally from Madrid, Ancelotti’s side failed to make meaningful progress, even after Barcelona was reduced to ten men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. "We didn’t capitalize on the advantage. Instead, we looked disorganized and lacked the determination needed to mount a comeback," Ancelotti said.

The manager refrained from singling out individual players for criticism, emphasizing the collective nature of the defeat. "This wasn’t about one or two players. The entire team fell short, and that includes me. Our tactical setup didn’t work, and we must take responsibility for that," he remarked. He also noted that Real Madrid’s midfield, often their strongest asset, struggled to assert control, leaving the defense exposed to Barcelona’s quick counterattacks.

Despite the disappointing result, Ancelotti remains focused on the challenges ahead. "There’s no time to dwell on this loss. We have important matches coming up in La Liga and the Champions League. What matters is how we respond," he stated. He called on his players to use the defeat as motivation to improve and return to winning ways.

For Real Madrid, the Supercopa loss highlights areas that need urgent attention, particularly in defense and transitions. With the season far from over, Ancelotti will look to rally his squad and ensure they remain competitive across all competitions.