Manager Proud of Players’ Effort Despite Crushing 3-2 Defeat to Barcelona in Title Decider
A visibly emotional Carlo Ancelotti struggled to hide his disappointment after Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona on Saturday night, admitting his players were “seconds away from victory” before their heartbreaking collapse.
The Italian tactician watched helplessly as his squad surrendered an 82nd-minute lead when Ferran Torres struck against the run of play, before Jules Koundé’s extra-time winner completed Barcelona’s comeback in a match that swung wildly between both sides.
“We were so close,” Ancelotti told reporters in the early hours of Sunday, his voice tinged with regret. “That late goal changed everything – just one moment of switching off against a team like Barcelona and they punish you. But I can’t fault my players’ effort or commitment.”
The defeat leaves last season’s double winners facing the grim prospect of a trophy-less campaign, with only La Liga still mathematically winnable. Madrid now trail their Catalan rivals by four points with five games remaining, including a potential title decider at Camp Nou on May 11.
Ancelotti refused to criticize his players after what he called “an even contest where both teams had their moments.” He added: “Barcelona controlled the first half, we dominated the second. That’s football at this level – small details decide these matches.”
The veteran coach dismissed questions about his future amid growing speculation linking him to the Brazil national team job. “This isn’t the time for those discussions,” he said firmly. “Right now we need to regroup and prepare for the league run-in.”
Despite the crushing nature of the defeat, Ancelotti found reasons for optimism. “We showed tonight we can go toe-to-toe with Barcelona in their best moment,” he said. “That gives me confidence for the remaining games. The league isn’t over, and we’ll fight until the end.”
As Madrid players left the stadium in silence, the contrast with Barcelona’s celebrations couldn’t have been starker. For Ancelotti’s men, only the bitter taste of what might have been remains – and the knowledge that their season now hangs by a thread.
Similar Posts:
- Hansi Flick Celebrates Barcelona’s “Perfect Night” in Dramatic Copa del Rey Victory
- Carlo Ancelotti Returns to Face Former Club Milan in Champions League Showdown
- Ancelotti Takes a Stand: Real Madrid to Boycott Games Without 72-Hour Rest
- Injury Blow for Real Madrid as Key Duo Set to Miss Copa del Rey Final Against Barcelona
- Jude Bellingham Leads Real Madrid to Dramatic Clasico Win Over Barcelona
