Carlo Ancelotti’s Monstrous Anger Against Raúl Asencio: “But Where on Earth…”

During the high-stakes Copa del Rey semi-final clash between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti, typically known for his calm demeanor, could not contain his fury at Raúl Asencio. The young 22-year-old defender made a costly positioning error that led to Real Sociedad’s first goal, triggering an uncharacteristic outburst from the Italian coach.

Ancelotti’s frustration was evident as he sat on the bench, visibly fuming after witnessing the defensive lapse. The cameras of ElDesmarque captured him venting his anger, exclaiming to his technical staff: “But where the hell is Raúl going? Where is he going?” His immediate reaction spoke volumes about the gravity of the mistake and its impact on the game.

The error that sparked Ancelotti’s wrath originated from a seemingly routine long ball played by Martin Zubimendi. Real Sociedad’s Pablo Marín was left completely unmarked and easily flicked the ball forward to Ander Barrenetxea. Lucas Vázquez, who was too distant from his marker, could do little to prevent the winger from breaking into the box. Barrenetxea displayed composure, slotting the ball between the legs of Lunin to open the scoring.

However, it was Asencio’s ill-judged movement that truly enraged Ancelotti. The young defender inexplicably vacated his position, pushing forward to press Zubimendi, leaving an alarming gap in Madrid’s defensive structure. This movement disrupted the team’s shape and forced Valverde and Tchouaméni to scramble in vain to recover.

Ancelotti’s fury did not go unnoticed. His assistants, including his son Davide Ancelotti, quickly huddled around him to analyze the defensive sequence. The Real Madrid bench looked on in disbelief, recognizing the severity of the mistake and the implications it could have for the remainder of the match.

Real Madrid’s defensive frailties have been a recurring issue this season, and this game exposed yet another vulnerability. While Asencio has generally been reliable in recent fixtures, his lapse in concentration in this crucial tie came at a heavy cost. Ancelotti’s reaction was a testament to the high standards he expects from his players, particularly in decisive matches.

As the match progressed, other defensive errors emerged, with David Alaba also struggling under pressure. Real Madrid’s technical staff opted to overhaul the backline in extra time, hoping to restore some defensive stability. Yet, despite conceding four goals, the team’s attacking prowess was on full display, scoring four times to keep their Copa del Rey hopes alive.

After the game, Ancelotti did not shy away from addressing the defensive struggles. Speaking to the press, he acknowledged, “Conceding four goals is never good, but scoring four is impressive. We lack balance, but our efficiency in attack is commendable. It is not easy to put four past Real Sociedad.”

Looking ahead, the defensive issues must be resolved swiftly. Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium. Against a formidable attacking side like the Gunners, Madrid cannot afford such defensive lapses. Ancelotti and his coaching staff will undoubtedly stress the importance of defensive discipline in training sessions leading up to the match.

Raúl Asencio, in particular, will need to regain his composure and prove his reliability in the coming games. Alongside Antonio Rüdiger, he must adhere strictly to tactical instructions to ensure Madrid remains competitive at the highest level.

Real Madrid’s attacking brilliance often overshadows their defensive weaknesses, but the quarter-final clash against Arsenal will be a different test. Mikel Arteta’s side boasts one of the most dynamic offensive units in Europe, and any positional errors could prove costly. Madrid must strike the right balance between attack and defense if they are to progress in the competition.

The Copa del Rey semi-final served as a wake-up call for Ancelotti’s men. While their attacking quality remains undeniable, their defensive inconsistency could derail their ambitions. With the season entering a critical phase, Real Madrid must tighten their backline to avoid further complications.

Ancelotti, despite his rare public outburst, remains confident in his squad. However, his expectations are clear: tactical discipline is non-negotiable. If players fail to adhere to his system, they will face his wrath, as Asencio learned firsthand.

The road ahead is challenging, but Real Madrid thrives under pressure. With a tactical mastermind like Ancelotti at the helm, adjustments will be made. The question remains whether the players can execute them when it matters most.

As Madrid prepares for their upcoming battles, fans will be eager to see how the team responds. Can they overcome their defensive woes in time for the Champions League showdown with Arsenal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Carlo Ancelotti will not tolerate any more costly mistakes.