After Real Madrid’s crushing 5-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup final this Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti faced the media. With a sombre expression, the Italian coach revealed some truths that have frustrated many Madrid fans.
Carlo Ancelotti has been the centre of attention following Barça’s emphatic victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final. Despite showing decent form since December, the Madrid team completely crumbled against the Catalans for the second time in three months. While the defeat on 26 October at the Santiago Bernabéu lingered painfully, Sunday’s loss in Saudi Arabia has left millions of Madrid supporters utterly devastated. Criticised for his baffling selection choices, which once again led to a humiliating defeat, the Italian coach analysed the match post-game in front of the media.
Ancelotti’s reflections after the bitter 5-2 defeat
With a grim expression, Carlo Ancelotti explained that his players failed defensively and that the blame couldn’t rest solely on Aurélien Tchouaméni, who had been singled out for his disastrous performance. “I said before the game: to win, we needed to defend well. And we defended poorly. We were bad from the first minute to the last. Even when Barça went down to 10 men, we were still bad. We defended poorly, both in the low block and in high pressing. Barcelona were better; they defended better,” the Italian coach stated.
When questioned about players who significantly underperformed defensively, the 65-year-old refused to name scapegoats despite persistent media speculation surrounding Lucas Vázquez and Tchouaméni. “I won’t talk about any player in particular. We are a team,” he declared. While many criticised the players’ lack of determination after Barça’s goalkeeper was sent off for a foul on Kylian Mbappé — the sole bright spot for Madrid this Sunday — Ancelotti admitted the team had performed very poorly.
“We didn’t execute the high press well, and we weren’t solid in the low block. They scored their goals too easily. At half-time, I told the players, ‘Let’s see if we can get back to playing football.’ I understand the fans’ sadness. We’re sad and disappointed too. We must look forward and prepare for the next match… When Barça received the red card, I thought maybe we’d make a comeback,” Ancelotti continued, as reported by Relevo.
What’s next for Madrid?
While some are calling for his sacking, Ancelotti has already shifted focus to Real Madrid’s next match. “We have no choice but to look forward and regain the positive momentum we had until today. It was a bad night, and we’re sad, just like everyone else. There’s no hiding it,” he told reporters.
It’s clear this defeat will leave its mark on a team struggling against big sides this season. Defensive changes are urgently needed, including the potential return of Raúl Asensio at the heart of the defence and a swift solution for Lucas Vázquez’s problematic right flank. On other fronts, players like Vinícius Júnior need to refocus and channel their energy into on-field performances. One thing is certain: the coming days promise to be tumultuous in Madrid.
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