Notwithstanding his team’s performance against RB Leipzig to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals, Carlo Ancelotti was not in the mood to commend Real Madrid.
Willi Orban’s header negated Vinicius Junior’s incredible second-half goal as Los Blancos drew 1-1 with their Bundesliga opponents at the Bernabeu to win 2-1 overall.
With 20 shots on goal to their hosts’ 12 total, Leipzig was clearly the superior team that evening.
And with star player Jude Bellingham back in the starting lineup after missing the first leg due to injury, Ancelotti is well aware that his team did not perform up to expectations.
The 64-year-old Italian coach stated: “It was a poor game. We performed badly, lacking both passion and concern.”The mental component has had a significant impact on us. We were up against a quality opponent who had nothing to lose. We started out playing with the brakes applied.
“We struggled, but the important thing was to be in the quarter-finals.”The psychological component has been crucial. Leipzig is a strong team that has tried everything. We must examine what has transpired calmly.
We are in the quarterfinals of the league and currently lead by seven points at this point in the season. You must exercise moderation in your self-criticism.”
Real has won just twice in their last five games across all competitions after their draw with Leipzig.
Notwithstanding the fact that Los Blancos have drawn two of the previous three La Liga games, they still have a comfortable lead over Girona and bitter rivals Barcelona.
Though Real has won the Champions League a record 14 times, their performances will need to start getting better soon if they hope to compete in the later stages of the competition.