Champions League: Real Madrid Coach, Carlo Ancelotti Reveals Why They Lost To Arsenal

Recall that Real Madrid lost to Arsenal in a 3-0 score last night at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal.

There was pressure on the team to step up after the defeat to Valencia, but the players simply could not take up enough responsibility to guide the team past Mikel Arteta’s side.

With Real Madrid, it is never over until the final whistle of the second leg is blown, but the team’s form does not give much reason to believe in the chances of a comeback.

Speaking to the media after the poor result, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the game and what went wrong for Los Blancos.

“It has been a hard defeat. The team has been quite good and tidy in the first half. After the two set-piece goals, the team fell mentally and physically,” he began, outlining the flow of the game.

“It was difficult to finish the game because we did not have the reaction that this team usually has. There are two evaluations: one that has satisfied me until 0-0 and another after they scored, which has been very bad,” he added.

Speaking on what the result means for their chances in the UEFA Champions League, Ancelotti said,

“We have to do everything possible to try to recover. The possibilities are very few, but we have to try and we will try in every way. Let’s see if we can do it.”

He also spoke about how the game was never over until the second leg was played and how his team still had a small chance to push through.

“It seems that after tonight there are no chances, but in football, there are always changes,” he noted.

“No one expected Arsenal to score two free kicks, but anything can happen. It’s very difficult, but things like this have happened in the Bernabéu,” he added.

The manager was then asked to explain why the team faltered in the second half after playing a good opening 45 minutes.

“It’s hard to explain. There has been no joint reaction and we have tried it individually. They have controlled the ball better and earned the result,” he said.

Ancelotti also praised Arsenal for the spirit they showed on the night and for being the better team, thereby the rightful winners.

“Today they have shown better attitude, more quality, and a very high physical level. They have done many things better than us and in the criticism we have to be quite honest.”

“For an hour we haven’t been bad. In the first half we have done quite well,” he added.

The Italian gaffer was then asked if he felt responsible for the defeat.

“There is no doubt,” he said, accepting the blame.

Finally, the coach spoke on the forward four who have largely done well this season but struggled against Arsenal.

“The best players have to play and not be on the bench. Then it’s time to organize things so that there is a compact block. We haven’t been able to do it.”