Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made a surprising admission after his side’s match against Real Sociedad, stating that his team didn’t deserve to win. The match, which ended in a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Madrid, saw Real Sociedad dominate large portions of the game, leaving Ancelotti with mixed feelings despite the three points.
Real Madrid’s Struggles Against Real Sociedad
Real Madrid, known for their dominant performances, struggled to find their usual rhythm against a well-organized Real Sociedad side. The Basque club created several goal-scoring opportunities, controlling much of the first half and putting Madrid’s defense under pressure. Sociedad’s high pressing and quick transitions made life difficult for the Madrid midfield and backline.
Real Sociedad took an early lead through a well-taken goal, leaving the Santiago Bernabéu crowd stunned. Madrid, however, managed to claw their way back into the game with a goal that leveled the score before halftime. Despite the comeback, Ancelotti acknowledged that his team was second-best for most of the match.
Ancelotti’s Honest Assessment
In his post-match interview, Ancelotti didn’t shy away from admitting that Real Madrid was fortunate to come away with the win. “To be honest, we didn’t deserve to win today,” Ancelotti said. “Real Sociedad played better, especially in the first half. We struggled to keep possession, and they were more aggressive.”
The Italian manager praised Real Sociedad’s performance, highlighting their tactical discipline and ability to create chances. He acknowledged that Madrid’s victory was down to moments of individual brilliance rather than a cohesive team effort.
Key Players Step Up
Despite the team’s struggles, Real Madrid’s star players stepped up when needed. Ancelotti pointed out that while the overall team performance was below par, moments of quality from the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham made the difference. Bellingham, in particular, has been a standout performer for Madrid this season, and his ability to control the midfield and set up key plays once again proved decisive.
Madrid’s second-half resurgence, capped by a winning goal, was enough to secure all three points, but the performance left many questions about the team’s consistency and overall form.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Concerns
One of the main talking points from the match was Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. Real Sociedad exploited gaps in the defense, creating dangerous chances that could have easily resulted in more goals. Ancelotti acknowledged that his team needed to improve defensively if they are to maintain their strong start to the season.
“We gave away too many chances,” Ancelotti said. “Our defense wasn’t compact enough, and that’s something we need to work on. We can’t rely on last-minute goals or moments of magic to win every game.”
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
While Ancelotti was critical of his team’s performance, he also expressed optimism about their ability to bounce back. Real Madrid has a busy schedule ahead, including key La Liga fixtures and upcoming Champions League matches. Ancelotti stressed the importance of finding consistency and addressing the team’s weaknesses before facing tougher opponents.
With the squad boasting top talent and depth, Ancelotti remains confident that his side can compete for silverware this season. However, he knows that continued improvement will be key if Madrid are to maintain their title challenge in both domestic and European competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s admission that Real Madrid didn’t deserve to win against Real Sociedad reflects his honest assessment of the team’s performance. Despite securing a 2-1 victory, Madrid struggled to dominate the game, with Real Sociedad controlling large parts of the match. While key players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham delivered when it mattered most, Ancelotti emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in defense.
As Real Madrid pushes forward in La Liga and the Champions League, Ancelotti will be looking to address the team’s inconsistencies and ensure they can maintain their winning form without relying on last-minute heroics.
