Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has conceded that criticism of his team’s performance in the Champions League defeat against Lille is deserved. The Spanish champions struggled against the Ligue 1 side in a loss that leaves them in 17th place out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Champions League.
Madrid went behind after Lille’s Jonathan David converted a penalty kick given after the VAR spotted Eduardo Camavinga’s handball. It was the only goal of the game. The Brazilian duo Endrick and Vinicius Junior had chances in the first half to put Madrid back in the game but they couldn’t score. More chances were squandered in the second half courtesy of Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rüdiger and Arda Güler.
In his post-game interview, Ancelotti acknowledged that Lille had a better match than his side did. He said, “The opponent played better, and deserved to win. In terms of duels, intensity, consistency, we have to learn what we have to improve, which is quite obvious. It isn’t very complicated.”
The Italian also welcomed criticism about his team’s performance. He noted, “The sadness comes from the feeling of the team, that it wasn’t a good game. It wasn’t a good night. We shouldn’t look for excuses. I’m very honest. Criticism for today’s game is fair, correct, we have to accept it.”
Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin who replaced Thibaut Courtois between the sticks was also critical of the team’s performance. He said, “I don’t know if we lacked aggression or creativity. Maybe we should have fought a bit more.”
Brazilian youngster Endrick got his first start in the Champions League for Madrid. The forward scored in Madrid’s victory over VfB Stuttgart after coming on from the bench. With his start yesterday, he became the youngest player to start for the Los Blancos in the Champions League and broke former captain Raul Gonzalez’s long-standing record.
He expressed his happiness after the game. He said, “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m at the biggest club in the world. It’s hard to play from the start. It’s very important for me. I’m very happy because of that, but not with the defeat.”
Madrid missed French striker Kylian Mbappe and goalkeeper Courtois who were out on injury.
