Defending champions Real Madrid were unable to showcase their best form in a surprising 1-0 Champions League loss to Lille on Wednesday, and must face the criticism that follows, according to manager Carlo Ancelotti. Lille's relentless pressure paid off with a Jonathan David penalty in first-half stoppage time, marking Real Madrid's first defeat in all competitions since January. The 15-time Champions League winners now have three points after two matches, following their opening win against VfB Stuttgart.
"Everything was pretty bad. We struggled with the ball, and although the team was quite compact in the first half, it was challenging for us to regain possession and make transitions," Ancelotti told reporters. "We attempted to be more aggressive, but it proved difficult. Therefore, we need to analyze the situation calmly, not discard everything. But clearly, we must improve."
Ancelotti acknowledged that the criticism for the match was justified and must be accepted. "I am very sincere. The criticism for today's game is fair, correct, and we have to accept it because it is like that. We have not shown a good version in this game." He also stated that Lille "deserved" to win despite Real's improved performance in the second half.
"It was difficult for us to reach the game's intensity level, the level of duels, and the clarity of play," the Italian added. "Obviously, the game could have been tied because we had opportunities at the end, but it wasn't deserved." Ancelotti emphasized the need to learn from this experience, as they did after their last loss, and focus on the areas that require improvement, which he believes are not overly complicated.
Real, currently second in the La Liga standings with 18 points, will next host third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.
