It is a crisis at Real Madrid. This much is clear, after Carlo Ancelotti’s team experienced another painful evening a week and a half after the defeat against Barcelona (0-4). AC Milan painfully made it clear in the Champions League that there is work to be done for the Italian trainer (1-3).
Two weeks ago, there was still a hosanna atmosphere in Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, after Real had fought back from a 2-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund (5-2) in characteristic fashion. There was a magical comeback against Milan The Royalas we have seen so often on European evenings, is out. It resulted in a stirring flute concert from their own supporters and in critical comments in the Spanish media.
After all, Real has learned little from the humiliation against Barcelona. ‘The Whites repeat the mistakes of The Classic in another mediocre match’, opens Mark on the front page. Also AS is concerned, knowing that Arne Slot’s Liverpool is the next opponent in the Champions League. ‘The nightmare continues. Another Madrid slide in the Champions League. Milan were superior with the visit to Anfield on the 17th approaching.’
The sports newspapers based in Barcelona are going even harder. Sports World speaks of a crisis in Madrid after a new knockout at the Bernabéu. And Sport states that Real has been ridiculed in its own stadium. ‘After the game against Barcelona, Madrid is once again humiliated on its own field. The fans are booing the team and pointing the accusing finger at Ancelotti.’ The coach was the celebrated man last season after winning the national title and the Champions League.
There is an important change compared to that team: Kylian Mbappé. Karim Benzema already stated in the run-up to the CL match against Milan that the French star attacker does not come into his own as number 9 and Thierry Henry also stated this in an analysis by CBS Sports. The French legend made it clear with images that Mbappé does not do what is asked of a center forward when in possession of the ball and that Jude Bellingham is no longer performing.
Yet it was not Mbappé, but Bellingham who was substituted. It visibly led to frustration for the English midfielder. Just as Federico Valverde’s substitution led to misunderstanding. His always outspoken wife lashed out at Ancelotti on social media. “I better close my account, otherwise I will be arrested soon,” she posted on X, before the message was taken offline. Ancelotti was not concerned and stated that Valverde was suffering from his back.
It does not alter the fact that criticism of Ancelotti’s performance is increasing. For example, Henry pointed out that the balance is lacking when losing the ball now that Rodrygo has lost his starting place up front. The Italian trainer acknowledges that things have to improve. ‘We have to worry because in the last few games the team has not been in good form. We are not solid enough. The fact that we don’t defend well is not the only thing. We are not compact as a team, we have to improve that.’
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