Ancelotti Explains Why Real Madrid Lost Heavily to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup Match on Sunday

Carlo Ancelotti stated that the Real Madrid’s heavy loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup match on Sunday was due to poor defensive performance and a failure to execute a cohesive strategy both individually and collectively. Despite starting strong with an early goal by Kylian Mbappe, Madrid’s defense crumbled as Barcelona seized control, ultimately securing a 5-2 victory. Ancelotti lamented his team’s inability to maintain their lead and acknowledged their defensive lapses as the primary reason for the defeat.

The match began promisingly for Real Madrid when Mbappe’s brilliant finish put them ahead. However, Barcelona’s response was swift and relentless. Lamine Yamal equalized for the Catalans, followed by goals from Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, and two strikes from Raphinha that left Madrid trailing 5-1. A red card for Barcelona gave Madrid a numerical advantage, but they managed only a consolation goal through Rodrygo.

Reflecting on the performance, Ancelotti was candid about his team’s shortcomings. He admitted that Madrid’s defensive organization was ineffective both in higher pressing situations and in deeper defensive setups. "We have to look at the reality," he said. "We did not defend well in the opposition half or with the low block. They scored goals very easily, and we didn’t work well either collectively or individually because we lost a lot of duels."

Ancelotti’s disappointment extended beyond the defensive collapse to the overall lack of cohesion. He noted that despite having an extra player after Barcelona’s dismissal, Madrid failed to capitalize on their advantage. “With an extra man, we were not able to find solutions,” he explained. His frustration with the team’s inability to turn the numerical superiority into meaningful opportunities highlighted deeper tactical inefficiencies that plagued the squad throughout the match.

The veteran coach also emphasized the emotional toll of the defeat on both the players and the supporters. "We are sad and disappointed, and we’ll take that sadness home with us. That’s football," he remarked. Ancelotti’s empathy for the fans’ disappointment was evident, and he stressed the need to regain the positive spirit that had characterized the team prior to this setback. He described the match as a complete failure from start to finish, with no redeeming aspects apart from Mbappe’s early goal, which he praised for its quality and execution.

Despite the demoralizing loss, Ancelotti remained forward-looking. He called for the team to put the defeat behind them and refocus on future challenges. "We have no option but to look forward and get back the good spirit," he urged. His message was one of resilience, reminding his players and fans alike that setbacks are part of football, and recovery lies in learning from mistakes and moving on.

The loss marks a significant disappointment for Real Madrid, especially in a high-profile encounter against their fiercest rivals. However, Ancelotti’s reflections highlight both the areas requiring immediate improvement and his commitment to steering the team back on course. His analysis underscores the importance of tactical precision, defensive solidity, and mental resilience in the pursuit of future successes.