Carlo Ancelotti urges Real Madrid to tighten defence ahead of Alaves clash

Ancelotti calls for defensive improvement as Real Madrid prepares for crucial La Liga match against Alaves.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti walks down the tunnel before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal and Real Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Julian Finney/UEFA

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Carlo Ancelotti urges Real Madrid to tighten defence ahead of Alaves clash, as the Italian manager seeks a turnaround in form following recent struggles across competitions. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s La Liga fixture at the Mendizorrotza Stadium, Ancelotti stressed the importance of restoring defensive solidity if Los Blancos hope to keep pace with league leaders Barcelona and recover from their Champions League setback.

The Madrid side, sitting second in La Liga, trail their eternal rivals Barcelona and are under increasing pressure to perform consistently at the domestic level while managing a difficult European schedule. After a humbling 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates, Ancelotti was forthright about his team’s current weaknesses.

Madrid’s defensive fragility exposed

In their last four matches across all competitions, Real Madrid have conceded 11 goals—an uncharacteristic stat for a side that prides itself on tactical balance. Against Arsenal, defensive lapses and positional errors saw them outplayed in every department. With the second leg looming next week, Ancelotti made it clear that Sunday's La Liga game is not to be overlooked.

“Above all in recent weeks there’s been a general dip among the team,” Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday. “We have let in a lot of goals in recent games and we have to put a stop to that, above all when those up front are not as effective as usual.”

His remarks highlighted the growing concern in Madrid’s camp: that their normally dangerous attacking line has not compensated for defensive shortcomings, and that the side is becoming vulnerable during high-pressure games.

Title race heats up as Madrid chase Barcelona

While Ancelotti’s focus is squarely on Alaves this weekend, the context of the title race cannot be ignored. Barcelona, who play Leganes on Saturday, are in a strong position to pull further ahead if Madrid falter. Real Madrid, having won the La Liga crown in 2023, are desperate to prevent back-to-back titles for their Catalan rivals.

Ancelotti was clear that victory against Alaves is crucial, not only for the title race but also for team morale ahead of the Champions League return leg.

“We will try to win because it’s fundamental to get our good feeling back,” said the veteran coach. “Everyone is thinking about Wednesday but all that depends on our performance tomorrow.”

A chance for redemption before Arsenal rematch

With the second leg against Arsenal set for Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu, many fans and pundits assumed Ancelotti might rotate his squad for the Alaves fixture. But the coach maintained that there would be no lack of focus or urgency, emphasizing that every match at this stage of the season carries enormous weight.

“Each defeat is always the same, when you lose, these are difficult moments… but luckily in football after a defeat, an opportunity arrives,” Ancelotti said.

He praised the team’s reaction during training, noting that the players have shown concentration and effort following the Emirates loss.

Physical output questioned, but Ancelotti defends record

Much of the post-match analysis after the Arsenal defeat focused on running stats. Madrid’s players covered fewer kilometers than their English counterparts, prompting critics to question the team’s physical readiness. But Ancelotti was quick to reject that narrative as the sole explanation for the defeat.

“In the past we’ve run less and, despite that, we’ve won two Champions Leagues,” said Ancelotti, referencing Madrid’s triumphs in 2022 and 2024 under his leadership. “We can do more in that regard but it’s not just about that.”

This assertion was a reminder of Ancelotti’s long-standing belief in tactical execution and mental discipline over raw physical statistics. The Italian, now in his second stint with Madrid, is well aware of the narrative pressures that surround the club after a loss.

Contract pressure and job speculation

Following the heavy defeat to Arsenal, Spanish media began speculating about Ancelotti’s future at the club. Some reports hinted that a failure to win silverware this season could see the coach dismissed. But Ancelotti, who is under contract until 2026, calmly dismissed those suggestions.

“The contract is quite clear and we will talk about the future at the end of the season,” he said. “The club always supports me, above all in the difficult moments.”

His composed response underlines his confidence and experience in navigating the turbulent world of elite football. However, he is also aware that results in the coming weeks will determine how much support he continues to enjoy from Madrid’s hierarchy.

Alaves not to be underestimated

Though Alaves are near the lower end of the La Liga table, Ancelotti warned against complacency. The Basque club has made a habit of frustrating bigger teams at home, and Madrid’s defensive issues could be exposed again if they are not disciplined and alert.

Alaves, known for their compact shape and counter-attacking intent, will likely test Madrid’s back line through quick transitions. The onus will be on veteran defenders like David Alaba and Dani Carvajal to lead from the back and show better communication.

With goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still out injured, backup keeper Andriy Lunin will need to maintain composure under pressure and deliver a performance worthy of his shirt.

A test of leadership and resilience

For Madrid, the match against Alaves offers a chance to regroup and send a message. A clean sheet and a convincing performance will go a long way in restoring belief before facing Arsenal again.

Players like Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde must take charge in both halves of the pitch, particularly if Ancelotti decides to rest key names like Jude Bellingham or Vinicius Junior.

Ancelotti’s strategy will revolve around balancing recovery and competitiveness. He has often emphasized that character is forged in adversity—and Madrid, at the moment, are staring down a critical stretch of the season.

Los Blancos at a crossroads

Real Madrid’s campaign could either rebound with strength or unravel further, depending on how they respond to this moment. Carlo Ancelotti urges Real Madrid to tighten defence at a time when every detail matters, and every game carries double the weight.

If Madrid are to challenge for La Liga and overturn their Champions League deficit, it begins with taking care of business against Alaves. The footballing world will be watching to see if Los Blancos still possess the steel and discipline that has defined their legendary status.

For Ancelotti, the mission is clear: shut the door at the back, reclaim confidence, and remind everyone that Real Madrid are never out of the fight.