Ancelotti Offers Unexpected Take After Real Madrid’s Draw: “If We Can’t Win Them…”

Real Madrid endured another frustrating evening as they were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

The match, played at the Estadio de Vallecas, saw Los Blancos miss a crucial opportunity to reclaim the top spot in La Liga.

Following the game, Carlo Ancelotti shared his candid assessment of his team’s performance and their ongoing struggles.

The game began disastrously for Real Madrid, who found themselves trailing 2-0 within the first 20 minutes.

However, a resilient fightback saw Rodrygo Goes score a stunning goal, helping his team claw their way back to a 3-2 lead.

Just as it seemed they might secure victory, Rayo Vallecano’s captain struck late to level the match, leaving Real Madrid to settle for a frustrating draw.

Despite Vinícius Jr.’s introduction in the second half, the visitors were unable to find the decisive goal to break the deadlock.

This result allowed FC Barcelona to maintain their position as league leaders regardless of their result on Sunday, adding to the disappointment for the Madridistas.

Speaking to the press after the game, Ancelotti offered a measured perspective on the outcome. “The draw is a fair result,” he stated. “We made mistakes, and those mistakes cost us the win.

Still, tonight, I saw a team. We played with commitment and showed a complete performance despite the errors.”

Ancelotti highlighted the physical disadvantage his team faced, particularly in aerial duels.

“Our squad isn’t built for dominance in the air. Rüdiger and Tchouaméni are strong in these situations, but our full-backs are smaller. We have to learn to suffer sometimes, and tonight, we did just that,” he added.

The coach also reflected on the broader context of their season. “Last year, we also drew here and went on to win La Liga.

To win this league, you must know how to take points even when victory isn’t possible. If we can’t win these games, we must at least avoid losing them,” he emphasized.

The Italian tactician expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory, citing their ability to bounce back from adversity. “I thought finding balance, commitment, and attitude would be much harder, but we’ve regained all these elements. Rodrygo and Camavinga returned tonight, and Alaba will be back soon. I expect 2025 to be an excellent year, full of enthusiasm and motivation.”

Ancelotti also pointed out the challenges posed by injuries to key players, including Mbappé, Militão, Mendy, Carvajal, and others. “We were missing seven starters tonight. Despite this, the players on the pitch delivered a solid performance. When everyone returns, we’ll be even stronger,” he remarked.

While the draw against Rayo Vallecano dealt a blow to Real Madrid’s immediate ambitions, the coach remains focused on the challenges ahead. The team now shifts its attention to the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, where they will face Pachuca on Wednesday. A victory there would provide a much-needed morale boost as they look to navigate a packed and challenging schedule.

This result underscores the unpredictable nature of La Liga this season, with Barcelona maintaining their edge at the summit. For Real Madrid, the road to reclaiming domestic glory remains fraught with obstacles, but Ancelotti’s confidence in his squad suggests they are far from out of the race. With key players returning and a renewed sense of purpose, Los Blancos are determined to fight for silverware on all fronts.