Real Madrid’s 3-2 Win Over Leganés: Ancelotti’s Mixed Reactions
Real Madrid’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Leganés in the Copa del Rey quarter-final was a mix of success and concern. While the team advanced, manager Carlo Ancelotti voiced dissatisfaction over defensive weaknesses that nearly cost them the match.
Ancelotti’s Concerns Over Defensive Stability
Ancelotti pointed out that despite dominating possession, Real Madrid lacked defensive balance, allowing Leganés to capitalize on counterattacks. He stressed the need for greater stability to avoid conceding avoidable goals.
Praise for Key Players
Despite defensive lapses, Ancelotti commended Kylian Mbappé for his improved involvement and goal-scoring contribution. He also praised Arda Güler for his creativity and overall impact, showing confidence in his development.
Refereeing Controversy
The match saw heated reactions from Leganés’ coach Borja Jiménez and players, who felt key refereeing decisions unfairly benefited Real Madrid. While Ancelotti acknowledged their frustration, he noted that both teams had reasons to dispute the officiating.
Focus on Improvement
Looking ahead, Ancelotti stressed the importance of strengthening the team’s defensive structure as they continue their campaign. He highlighted the need for collective effort and consistency to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and international tournaments.
As Real Madrid moves forward, addressing defensive vulnerabilities will be key to sustaining their success.
