Superclásico: One Week After the 5-2 Defeat, the Real Culprit Reveals Himself: “It’s My Fault”

Seven days have passed since Real Madrid suffered one of their most humiliating defeats of the season, a crushing 5-2 loss against Barcelona in the Superclásico. In a rare display of accountability, Carlo Ancelotti, the Madrid coach, addressed the media ahead of their La Liga clash with Las Palmas, candidly accepting blame for the debacle.

With several key players absent, including Luka Modric, Vinícius Júnior, and Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid must secure a victory against Las Palmas to stay competitive in the title race. This weekend’s fixture comes on the heels of a difficult week for the Madrid camp, dominated by introspection and criticism following their Superclásico embarrassment.

Ancelotti Takes Responsibility

Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti made a startling admission: “The team’s performance against Barcelona is my responsibility. The fact that the supporters are booing me is acceptable and sometimes fair.” His frankness reflects the gravity of the situation. The Italian manager, renowned for his tactical acumen and composure, faced heavy criticism for his questionable player selections during the game, which many believe contributed to Real Madrid’s collapse.

Despite his achievements at the club, including La Liga titles and Champions League triumphs, this acknowledgment has done little to calm the frustration of Madrid supporters. The repeated failures against Barcelona this season, including a 4-0 drubbing at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier, have left fans questioning the team’s direction.

A Bitter Rivalry Intensified

The Superclásico loss is not just a setback in the standings—it’s a blow to pride. Losing twice in such a fashion to their eternal rivals has amplified tensions. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of learning from these mistakes: “I don’t think people will forget what we have achieved here and what we are doing now, but we must show resilience.”

Defensive Frailties on Display

The game exposed Real Madrid’s defensive weaknesses. Ancelotti’s decision to deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni as a makeshift central defender drew widespread criticism. The 25-year-old Frenchman, while outstanding in midfield, struggled in an unfamiliar role, leaving the backline vulnerable.

Looking ahead, Ancelotti vowed to reassess his defensive options. Raúl Asensio, a promising 21-year-old, is being considered for more prominent duties. Additionally, the experience of David Alaba could be pivotal in stabilizing the defense, especially with crucial matches looming.

Turning the Tide Before May

The upcoming second-leg Clasico on May 11 is already circled on every Madridista’s calendar. To silence critics and reclaim their dominance, Real Madrid must focus on consistent performances in La Liga and the Champions League. Ancelotti stressed that building confidence through victories against top teams is the only way to prepare for another showdown with Barcelona.

Midfield Balance Is Key

One of the major takeaways from the defeat is the need to maintain balance in midfield. Camavinga’s absence was sorely felt, and the lack of creativity in transitions highlighted Real Madrid’s dependency on their injured stars. Reinforcing the midfield with players in their natural roles will be a priority for Ancelotti moving forward.

A Test of Depth and Resolve

The clash against Las Palmas offers a chance for redemption. Despite being a mid-table team, Las Palmas held Real Madrid to a draw earlier this season. This fixture will test not only the depth of the squad but also the mental resolve of the players, who need to bounce back from such a demoralizing loss.

Supporters Demand Accountability

Fans have not held back their disappointment, flooding social media with demands for change. Many have questioned Ancelotti’s tactics and squad management, especially in high-stakes matches. The signing of Tchouaméni, initially heralded as a masterstroke, has now come under scrutiny due to his misuse in critical situations.

Lessons Learned

Ancelotti’s acknowledgment of his mistakes is a step in the right direction, but actions must follow words. Real Madrid’s coaching staff is under immense pressure to implement necessary adjustments, especially in defense. Bold decisions, such as trusting younger players and avoiding forced experiments, will be crucial.

Focus on the Bigger Picture

While the Superclásico defeat is a significant blemish, the season is far from over. Real Madrid remains in contention for multiple trophies, and the team’s resilience in the face of adversity has been a hallmark of their success.

Building Momentum

Ancelotti’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring the players remain focused on their goals. Winning against Las Palmas could provide the momentum needed to navigate the challenging fixtures ahead and reclaim their confidence.

Fans Remain Divided

While some supporters appreciate Ancelotti’s honesty, others remain skeptical about his ability to deliver under pressure. The divide among fans reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding the team’s future.

A Defining Period Ahead

The next few weeks will be crucial for Real Madrid. With the title race heating up and the Champions League knockout stages approaching, the team must demonstrate their mettle. Every decision Ancelotti makes from this point forward will be scrutinized.

A Coach Under Fire

For Ancelotti, the stakes couldn’t be higher. His legacy at Real Madrid, though illustrious, risks being overshadowed by recent failures. The Italian tactician must rise to the challenge, prove his critics wrong, and guide his team back to glory.

The journey to redemption begins now. For Real Madrid, every game is a chance to restore faith and reclaim their status as one of football’s greatest clubs.