Real Madrid Players Urged to Wake Up for Champions League
Carlo Ancelotti, the seasoned coach of Real Madrid, expressed his hopes that the team’s recent defeat in La Liga against Real Betis will serve as a wake-up call as they prepare to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16 tie. The match in Seville saw Madrid take an early lead with a goal from Brahim Diaz, but ultimately succumb to a 2-1 defeat with goals from Johnny Cardoso and Isco on either side of halftime. This loss adds to Madrid’s inconsistent league form, with just five points earned from their last five La Liga matches.
Ancelotti’s Concerns and Call to Action
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti emphasized the need for a significant improvement in their performance if they aim to progress past Diego Simeone’s formidable side. Reflecting on the disappointing display against Real Betis, Ancelotti bluntly stated, “If we play like this, we’re not going to win on Tuesday, that’s quite clear.” The coach expressed his hope that the defeat would serve as a wake-up call for the team, highlighting a noticeable lack of organization and cohesion compared to previous matches.
Real Madrid’s League Position and Form
The loss against Real Betis marked another setback for Ancelotti’s squad, following a defeat to Espanyol four weeks earlier. In addition to these losses, Real Madrid also dropped points in matches against Atletico Madrid and Osasuna, leading to a decline from the top position to third in the La Liga standings. Ancelotti acknowledged the team’s struggles in maintaining their initial momentum, conceding that Betis outperformed them and rightfully earned the victory.
Following their midweek Champions League fixture, Real Madrid will shift their focus back to La Liga as they prepare to face Rayo Vallecano at home on March 9th. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Ancelotti’s side as they seek to regain their form and secure a strong finish in both domestic and European competitions.
Mario Cortegana Santos, a respected Football Writer covering Real Madrid for The Athletic, brings a wealth of experience and insight to his analysis of the team’s performance. With a background spanning various media outlets and international tournaments, Cortegana offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Real Madrid. Follow his coverage on Twitter @MarioCortegana for the latest updates and in-depth analysis of the team’s journey.
