Real Madrid’s LaLiga Hopes Dented by Last-Minute Valencia Defeat, Champions League Focus Now Shifts to Arsenal
Real Madrid suffered a crushing 2-1 home defeat to Valencia, with Hugo Duro’s dramatic 95th-minute winner dealing a major blow to their LaLiga title aspirations. After the final whistle at the Santiago Bernabéu, manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the setback but encouraged his squad to keep fighting.
“It’s more complicated now, but we must stay focused. We still have chances—fewer, of course—but we have to fight until the final match,” said Ancelotti.
What Went Wrong
Despite dominating large portions of the game, Madrid failed to convert their chances. Ancelotti pointed to inefficiency and poor defensive transitions as key issues.
“We created a lot, got close to scoring, but lacked effectiveness and quick ball recovery. Opponents don’t have to do much to score against us,” he noted.
Valencia’s late winner came from a classic counterattack as Madrid pushed forward in search of three points.
“We took risks because a draw wasn’t enough, and they punished us with a counter,” Ancelotti admitted.
Eyes on Arsenal: Champions League Takes Priority
With their domestic hopes fading, attention now turns to a huge Champions League clash with Arsenal. Ancelotti stressed the need for sharper defending and more clinical finishing.
“We missed the chance to stay in the title fight with more strength. Arsenal will come at us aggressively, so we must be solid at the back and far more effective.”
He also lamented the small errors that made the difference:
“After the penalty miss, we conceded from a set piece. These small details can flip the outcome of a match.”
Still, the Italian felt Madrid deserved more from the game.
“Valencia played their game well, but Real Madrid deserved the win—without a doubt.”
Vinícius’s Penalty Miss and Crowd Reaction
Vinícius Jr. missed a crucial penalty—his second consecutive miss—prompting whistles from the home fans. Ancelotti, however, defended the young star.
“It’s been a tough season for penalty takers. Bellingham missed, Mbappé missed, and now Vinícius. I tried to give him confidence. He missed, yes, but I don’t think the boos will affect him—he’s focused.”
Courtois Return on the Horizon
In a bit of good news, star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could return for Tuesday’s Champions League showdown.
“Courtois has trained and felt good. We’re hopeful he’ll be ready for Tuesday, along with others,” Ancelotti confirmed.
Summary
Real Madrid’s LaLiga hopes are hanging by a thread after a painful loss to Valencia, but the Champions League now takes center stage. With Arsenal looming, Ancelotti remains defiant—trusting in his squad to bounce back in what could be a season-defining night in London.
