Despite defensive lapses and lack of rhythm post-international break, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lauds team’s intensity and Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance in hard-fought La Liga victory
March 29 (Reuters):
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted his team lacked balance and struggled to impose control in their narrow 3-2 comeback win over relegation-threatened Leganes on Saturday. However, he was quick to praise his side’s fighting spirit and second-half intensity, which helped them draw level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
“We didn’t play a bad game,” Ancelotti told reporters post-match. “We had control, but we lacked balance, and that cost us two goals. After the international break, it’s hard to find rhythm immediately.”
Defensive Errors, Second-Half Redemption
Madrid opened the scoring via a Kylian Mbappe penalty, but Leganes quickly responded with goals from Diego Garcia and Dani Raba, exposing Real’s vulnerability on the counterattack and leaving them 2-1 down at the half.
Ancelotti admitted the team’s structure faltered after the opening goal:
“After the penalty, we didn’t manage our positioning well and conceded too easily. We suffered, but that’s how football is. What matters is that we fought back together.”
Jude Bellingham equalized early in the second half, and Mbappe sealed the win with a stunning free kick, marking his 33rd goal across all competitions — equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally in his debut season with the club.
Praise for Mbappe’s Impact
Ancelotti was full of praise for the French forward:
“He’s doing really well — more involved, more active, and making the difference. That’s exactly what we want from him.”
What’s Next for Real?
With 63 points, Real Madrid now sit joint top with Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Next up, Ancelotti’s men will host Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg (leading 1-0) before facing Valencia in La Liga and visiting Arsenal for a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final clash.
Ancelotti closed with a reminder of football’s demands:
“There’s no such thing as an easy game. You have to suffer together. That’s what champions do.”