Ancelotti: Real Madrid ‘competed against great Barcelona’, but defeat ends La Liga hopes

Carlo Ancelotti insisted that ‘everyone is entitled to their own opinion’ regarding his time at Real Madrid, after his side squandered a two-goal lead in a 4-3 defeat to Barcelona that effectively ended their La Liga title hopes.

The Blaugrana are now seven points ahead of their rivals with three games remaining, meaning a win in the next round would see them officially crowned champions.

The defeat marks the end of a bitter season for Ancelotti, with the Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal followed by a defeat against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and today’s loss.

Ancelotti: ‘Everyone entitled to their own opinion’ about my Real Madrid spell

“In a match at this level, you have to defend well and attack well,” Ancelotti said after the match, as quoted by AS.

“We attacked well, but during those 30 minutes we made defensive mistakes, and that cost us the game.”

Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick was not enough to prevent Los Blancos from falling to a fourth consecutive defeat against Barcelona this season.

“He did well,” the coach continued.

“All the chances we had up front were clear because we attacked well in behind. We scored three and had two ruled out for offside.

“In attack, we had clear ideas, but I think we didn’t defend well. Let’s not forget we were missing five defenders — that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Can Real Madrid’s struggles in recent months tarnish Ancelotti’s successful stint at the Santiago Bernabeu, given the announcement of his exit at the end of the season?

“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Ancelotti noted.

“We could have made it 4–4 twice. We were right there. I saw a game between a great team and another great team. I have nothing to criticise in terms of attitude and commitment. We competed until the very last minute.”