Carlo Ancelotti shoulders responsibility for Real Madrid’s loss in Madrid derby

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted responsibility for Real Madrid’s capitulation in Sunday’s Madrid derby loss against Atletico, where the Los Blancos submitted their 100% start to the season with a 3-1 defeat.

Real Madrid started poorly, conceding from an Alvaro Morata header just less than 5 minutes into the tie, and fourteen minutes later, Atletico were able to double their advantage through Antoine Griezmann to make it 2-0.

Toni Kroos did pull one back midway into the half, although Madrid slipped downwards immediately after the break as Morata scored to restore Atletico Madrid’s 2-goal lead one minute into the second half as the hosts ran out 3-1 winners.

Meanwhile, as Los Blancos prepares to face Las Palmas in another La Liga fixture on Wednesday, Ancelotti said that the game against Atletico was lost because his team started the game and defended poorly.

“We didn’t start well or defend well. When they went 2-0 up, they played the game they wanted to. Atleti did better than us in this sense. I think the system was not a problem but rather a defensive fragility. We were not compact, and they took advantage of it. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. I shoulder that; it’s my fault.” Ancelotti said.

The game is the first that Real Madrid will lose in all competitions this season, and they would hope to bounce back against Las Palmas on Wednesday.

For Atletico Madrid, the win will boost an inconsistent start to the season as they remain 5 points behind Real Madrid despite the win. Table toppers Barcelona came from behind to record a 3-2 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski motivated the comeback, as Joao Cancelo was also on the scoresheet. The Blaugrana will return to action on Tuesday with The clash against Mallorca away from home.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu