Real v Atletico Madrid: Real 'a mess' - Carlo Ancelotti

  • Published
Carlo AncelottiImage source, EPA
Image caption,

Carlo Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to their 10th European crown last season

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says the 4-0 derby humiliation at Atletico Madrid was the worst performance of his reign at the Spanish giants.

Saturday's defeat was leaders Real's heaviest loss in over four years.

"It is easy to analyse this game because Atletico were better in every facet of the game," said Ancelotti.

"They fought more, had more quality on the ball, had better organisation, everything. It is the worst game we have played since I have been coach."

Ancelotti, who was appointed as Real boss in June 2013, welcomed Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo back into his side, but was without a host of other players through injury and suspension.

And defending champions Atletico took advantage to stretch their unbeaten run against Real to six matches.

"We were a mess and lost all our aerial battles. None of our players had a good game," added ex-Chelsea and AC Milan boss Ancelotti.

"I have to look at this coldly and accept responsibility for this game.

"We have to review what has happened but we mustn't forget that we're still top of La Liga. I have a lot of faith in these players."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Diego Simeone has led Atletico to four wins and two draws against Real since May's defeat in the Champions League final

European champions Real are four points ahead of nearest rivals Barcelona, who visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, and third-placed Atletico.

"We still need to keep going match by match and see what happens," said Atletico coach Diego Simeone when asked about his team's chances of retaining the title.

"A coach can interpret the game in many different ways but it is the players that need to execute the ideas and they were brilliant against Real. I have to thank the players for the way they played.

"They were solid and serious and we need to keep going this way."

Atletico's recent run versus Real

Result

Date

Venue

Competition

Real 2-2 Atletico

15 January, 2015

Santiago Bernabeu

Copa del Rey

Atletico 2-0 Real

7 January, 2015

Vicente Calderon

Copa del Rey

Real 1-2 Atletico

13 September, 2014

Santiago Bernabeu

La Liga

Atletico 1-0 Real

22 August, 2014

Vicente Calderon

Spanish Super Cup

Real 1-1 Atletico

19 August, 2014

Santiago Bernabeu

Spanish Super Cup

Real 4-1 Atletico (aet)

24 May, 2014

Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

Champions League final

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.