Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in the Champions League round-of-16 was deemed a “bad game” by manager Carlo Ancelotti. Despite progressing to the quarterfinals, Ancelotti admitted that his team underperformed and called for improvement. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring for Madrid in the 65th minute, but Willi Orbán equalized for Leipzig shortly after, leading to a tense finish.
Ancelotti expressed his disappointment with the team’s low intensity and psychological state during the match. He highlighted the struggles Madrid faced in dealing with an opponent who played without fear. The lack of pressing, slow pace, and sideways passing were all areas of concern for the manager. The Italian coach took responsibility for the performance and acknowledged that mistakes were made.
Self-Criticism and Room for Improvement
Despite being in a strong position in LaLiga and the Champions League, Ancelotti acknowledged the need for self-criticism and improvement. The seven-point lead in the league and quarterfinal spot in the Champions League may be positive outcomes, but the manager stressed the importance of addressing the team’s shortcomings. Ancelotti admitted that his selection of the starting 11 may have been flawed and that adjustments need to be made moving forward.
Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger echoed Ancelotti’s sentiments, describing the team’s performance as sloppy, slow, and lacking intensity. Rüdiger emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity in Champions League matches, warning that lapses in concentration can lead to costly mistakes. The defender acknowledged that Madrid did not find the right answers during the match against Leipzig and that improvements are necessary.
Real Madrid’s underwhelming performance against RB Leipzig serves as a wake-up call for the team. Despite securing a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals, the lack of intensity and focus exhibited during the match raise concerns for the manager and players. Carlo Ancelotti’s call for self-criticism and improvement is a reminder that there is always room for growth, even for a historically successful team like Real Madrid.