Ancelotti demands Real Madrid reaction after Barcelona loss

Real Madrid prepares for Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo.

Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, speaks at a press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey 2024/25 match at Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas, Spain, on January 15, 2025. Photo by Alberto Gardin/Nur/Getty Images

By Armandio Alif and Anna Fadiah

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has called for an immediate response from his team following their humbling 5-2 defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Catalans claimed the trophy on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, leaving Ancelotti urging his players to bounce back in Thursday’s Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Ancelotti acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but stressed the importance of using the upcoming match as an opportunity to regain momentum.

“It’s a great opportunity to leave behind the bad game we played, which hurt us a lot, but has not sunk us,” Ancelotti said. “We want to react. This game against a team that plays well is good for us, and the team can have a strong response after the other day’s poor performance.”

The Italian coach was candid about the shortcomings in the Super Cup final, describing it as a “step backward” but emphasizing the need to move forward. Ancelotti said his team committed numerous errors, particularly on the defensive end, and had spent the past few days seeking solutions.

“The evaluation of the game was simple—it was a bad game defensively across every line of the team,” he said. “It wasn’t just in attack, midfield, or defense. It was a collective issue, and there’s nothing more to add.”

Ancelotti refrained from singling out individual players for criticism, instead highlighting a collective lack of commitment in defense. This admission comes as Real Madrid looks to rebuild confidence after a loss that has drawn sharp criticism from Spanish media.

The veteran coach, who guided Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League titles last season, has faced increased scrutiny following the defeat in Jeddah. However, Ancelotti remained composed, attributing his calm demeanor to decades of experience in football.

“I’m not following the wave of criticism—one day you’re the best in the world, and the next, the stupidest coach of all,” Ancelotti said. “Luckily, my experience in this world has given me the balance I need not to follow the wave. I’m not the best in the world, but neither am I the stupidest.”

Ancelotti’s measured approach reflects his determination to stay focused on the challenges ahead. While the loss to Barcelona was a setback, he remains confident in his team’s ability to compete across multiple competitions.

Copa del Rey as a turning point

Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo offers Real Madrid a chance to turn the page. The visitors are known for their attacking style and technical ability, posing a potential challenge for the reigning La Liga champions.

“We are in a good position in all competitions,” Ancelotti said. “It’s important to keep going forward and to use this game as a way to show our resilience.”

With the Santiago Bernabeu crowd expected to rally behind their team, Real Madrid will aim to deliver a performance that reaffirms their title aspirations. Key players, including Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, will be relied upon to provide leadership and quality on the pitch.

The defeat to Barcelona has highlighted areas where Real Madrid needs improvement, particularly in defensive organization and consistency. Ancelotti’s ability to address these issues will be crucial as the team navigates a critical period in their season.

The Copa del Rey provides a platform for Real Madrid to rebuild confidence and momentum ahead of key fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League. A strong performance against Celta Vigo would not only boost morale but also reinforce the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level.

As Real Madrid prepares to face their next challenge, Ancelotti’s focus remains on fostering unity and resilience within the squad. The upcoming match will serve as a litmus test for their ability to recover from setbacks and maintain their pursuit of silverware across all fronts.