In a recent press conference following Real Madrid’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media regarding the match’s pivotal moments. The game featured a stunning equalizer from Kylian Mbappe, which came after a controversial penalty decision converted by Julian Alvarez. When questioned about the officiating, Ancelotti firmly stated: “I don’t want to talk about the referee. Don’t ask,” emphasizing his focus on the game itself rather than the refereeing decisions.

Ancelotti Analyzes the Match Performance and Team Dynamics

Expressing his thoughts on the match, Ancelotti remarked, “I think we deserved more.” He highlighted that the team’s performance significantly improved in the second half compared to a slower first half, where they struggled to find their rhythm. The penalty incident had a noticeable impact on the team’s morale. However, as the second half progressed, Real Madrid capitalized on the width of the field, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo creating numerous attacking opportunities. Although the result was a draw, Ancelotti noted the team’s positive attitude and competitive spirit, saying they left the pitch feeling encouraged.

Ancelotti further commented on the penalty awarded during the match, stating, “The VAR blew the whistle for the penalty. The referee was very close and saw it clearly.” He also referenced his observations from another match, pointing out inconsistencies in officiating, saying, “I saw another penalty in Athletic-Girona… People in football don’t understand this,” highlighting ongoing debates regarding refereeing standards in football.

Ancelotti Discusses Real Madrid’s Tactical Approach Against Atletico Madrid

Ancelotti praised his team’s commitment and sacrifice during the match, noting how well they adapted to Atletico Madrid’s strategy of defending and counterattacking after taking the lead. He pointed out the solid defensive performance from players like Tchouameni and Asensio, who played crucial roles in maintaining the balance of the game. Ancelotti believed that the team’s performance was commendable, stating they were “very close to winning,” which reflects the competitive nature of the match.

Ancelotti Analyzes Vinicius Jr.’s Tactical Positioning Strategies

Discussing Vinicius Jr.‘s positioning, Ancelotti explained, “The idea was to play on the outside in the first half as well.” However, he noted that Vinicius often drifted inside when faced with a low block, looking to exploit gaps. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of patience and sticking to the plan of playing wide. The goal scored by Real Madrid exemplified this strategy, showcasing a well-executed one-on-one play between Rodrygo and Mbappé, leading to a crucial equalizer.

Ancelotti Reflects on Half-Time Strategies and Team Morale

At half-time, Ancelotti revealed that the team focused on creating more space in the game. He expressed satisfaction with their performance in the second half, noting the players’ disappointment at not securing a win. Despite this, he acknowledged their current position as league leaders and recognized the competitive nature of the league this season. With an intense week ahead, he reassured the team that they would have a quieter week leading up to their next match.

Ancelotti Praises Dani Ceballos and Team Contributions

Ancelotti commended Dani Ceballos for his exceptional performance, stating, “Ceballos played very well, as usual.” He acknowledged the contributions of the entire team, highlighting Valverde‘s impressive display. Looking ahead to their next match, Ancelotti mentioned the importance of assessing player recovery after such an intense game, noting that players who participated today might have a competitive edge in terms of fitness.

Ancelotti’s Tactical Insights Ahead of the Match Against Manchester City

Concluding his analysis, Ancelotti commented on the effectiveness of their formation, which featured two lines of four players, with Bellingham positioned more on the outside. He expressed satisfaction with how the formation functioned, noting that he couldn’t recall Courtois being called into action for significant saves. Both lines of defense performed well, and he praised the efforts of Kylian and Vinicius for their willingness to track back and support the team defensively.