Seven days after Real Madrid’s first heavy defeat in 2025, the culprit has been revealed. As La Liga resumes this Sunday against Las Palmas, the Madrid coach addressed the failure in the Superclásico against Barça.
Missing several key players such as Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, and Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid will face Las Palmas. After the 1-1 draw in the first part of the championship, the two teams meet again. To stay in the title race, the Madrid side must secure a win. Ahead of this fixture in the 20th round of La Liga, Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media to discuss his team’s current state. Questioned about his team’s collapse last Sunday in the Superclásico final (5-2) against Barça, the Madrid coach made a significant admission.
“It’s all my fault”
Criticised for his incomprehensible player selections during the match, Carlo Ancelotti, who failed to instil confidence in his players to adequately compete with the Catalans, finally acknowledged his share of responsibility. Fully understanding the anger of Madrid fans after this bitter result, which will remain etched in the club’s history, the 65-year-old Italian coach expressed his determination to correct his mistake.
“The team’s performance against Barcelona is my responsibility, and the fact that the supporters are booing me is acceptable and sometimes fair. I don’t think people will forget what we have achieved here and what we are doing now,” Ancelotti stated to the press on Saturday. This bold admission does little to appease all Madrid fans. Following the humiliation (4-0) suffered against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first half of the championship (on 26 October 2024), another disastrous performance from Real Madrid was not expected.
Areas to improve before the may Clasico
Now that the damage is done, every effort must be made to turn things around in the next Clasico, scheduled for 11 May. To definitively calm the club’s critics, Carlo Ancelotti needs to assemble a solid team capable of playing cohesively. Defensively, where most of the work is needed, Real Madrid’s coaching staff must make bold decisions to restore the required stability. Speaking of bold decisions, Aurélien Tchouaméni should no longer be deployed as a central defender. Exceptional in his preferred midfield position, the 25-year-old Frenchman must play in his natural role.
With Raúl Asensio as a viable defensive option, Ancelotti should start trusting the 21-year-old’s abilities. Another option in defence is David Alaba, whose experience could prove invaluable by then. Before the second-leg Clasico on 11 May, Real Madrid must maintain good form in both La Liga and the Champions League. Following a first half of the season marked by defeats to major teams, the focus must now shift to overturning this trend and securing victories against top sides to build much-needed confidence.
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