Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Rodrygo, Ceballos, penalty incident after Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts following his team’s 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in a hard-fought Madrid derby. The result helped Los Blancos maintain their lead at the top of La Liga, but the Italian tactician was candid in acknowledging areas of concern.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Ancelotti admitted that Real Madrid struggled in the first half, lacking the intensity and aggression needed to impose their style of play. “We talked about using space better in the first half, but we did not execute our plan well. In the second half, we improved, but the team is disappointed because we felt we deserved to win. The league will be very competitive until the final matchday,” he stated.

A crucial moment in the game came when Atletico Madrid was awarded a penalty, giving them a temporary lead. However, Ancelotti refused to discuss the referee’s decision, stating, “I don’t want to talk about the referee or VAR. The reason? I simply don’t want to.”

Despite the initial setback, Real Madrid regrouped in the second half and displayed greater control over the game. Ancelotti praised his side’s resilience, saying, “We dominated possession and created more chances. The first half was slower, less aggressive, and we lacked the fluidity we needed. In the second half, we corrected some of those issues and took the game to our opponents.”

While Ancelotti opted to stay away from controversy regarding the penalty decision, he made it clear that VAR had a significant influence on the match. “VAR awarded the penalty after the referee had already assessed the play. Many people in football struggle to understand these decisions, but I won’t get involved in another controversy,” he remarked.

The manager also addressed the performances of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, explaining that the team’s initial strategy did not materialize as planned. “The idea was to use width more effectively, but we couldn’t do it as we had hoped. We had to be more patient, and Atletico’s defensive block often forced us to play centrally,” he explained.

Ancelotti also commended Dani Ceballos for his contributions in midfield, alongside Federico Valverde and the central defenders. “Ceballos had a great game, as did Valverde and our center-backs. We need to assess the squad’s fitness because we have another crucial game coming up soon,” he noted.

With Manchester City looming in the Champions League, Ancelotti acknowledged that squad rotation would be necessary. “Those who didn’t play today might have an advantage in terms of freshness. We have to analyze recovery levels and select the best possible lineup for Tuesday’s match,” he added.

Discussing the team’s defensive shape, Ancelotti suggested that the formation with two lines of four, along with Jude Bellingham playing in a wider role, was effective. “We played with two banks of four, Bellingham positioned outside, and it worked well. Courtois didn’t have to make many saves, which means our defensive structure held up,” he elaborated.

The Italian tactician also highlighted the defensive contributions of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom worked hard to support the team off the ball. “Vinicius and Mbappe made an effort to track back and help the defensive unit, which was important for maintaining balance,” he said.

Real Madrid now turn their focus toward their next challenge, with Ancelotti emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency. “We are in a good position, but La Liga will be competitive until the end. Every match requires full concentration,” he stressed.

With the title race still wide open, Ancelotti’s ability to manage his squad effectively and navigate key fixtures will be critical. The upcoming match against Manchester City will provide another stern test for Los Blancos, as they aim to assert their dominance on the European stage.

Despite the draw, Real Madrid’s performance in the second half showed promise, and Ancelotti will be keen to build on those positives moving forward. The tactical adjustments and player rotations in the coming weeks could prove decisive in their pursuit of silverware.

For now, Ancelotti remains focused on refining his team’s approach, ensuring they continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges ahead. The Madrid derby may have ended in a draw, but for Los Blancos, the journey toward their ultimate goals is far from over.