Real Madrid’s La Liga title ambitions suffered a severe setback on Saturday night after a dramatic 2-1 home defeat to Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, hoping to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona, instead slipped four points behind with only eight matches left in the season.
The evening started ominously for Real Madrid when Mouctar Diakhaby put Valencia ahead in the 15th minute. Vinicius Junior had the chance to open the scoring earlier, but his 13th-minute penalty was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Though Vinicius redeemed himself briefly by equalising five minutes after the break, it was Hugo Duro’s injury-time winner that sealed Valencia’s first away league win in a year, leaving the Madridistas stunned.
Ancelotti Concedes Title Fight “Much More Difficult”
Speaking to reporters after the match, a visibly frustrated Ancelotti acknowledged the uphill battle Real Madrid now faces. “It is much more difficult to fight for La Liga,” the Italian manager said. “But we have the idea of doing well until the end of the season because we still have options, albeit much less after this game.”
Ancelotti’s frustration extended to his side’s inconsistency in front of goal, particularly from the penalty spot. “It’s been a difficult season for penalty takers,” he admitted. “(Jude) Bellingham missed at Valencia, (Kylian) Mbappe against Athletic Club and Liverpool. Vinicius missed against Atletico Madrid, I tried to give him confidence and he missed this one.” The coach declined to confirm who would take future spot kicks, adding, “Will Mbappe be our main penalty taker? Let’s see.”
Penalty Woes Undermine Real Madrid’s Efforts
Real Madrid’s penalty problems have become a recurring theme this season, costing them vital points at key moments. On Saturday, Vinicius Junior had the opportunity to give Los Blancos an early lead, but his tame effort from the spot was comfortably stopped by Mamardashvili.
This trend has persisted despite efforts by Ancelotti to rotate penalty-taking duties among trusted players. The misses have not only demoralized the squad but have also become symbolic of Real Madrid’s inconsistent campaign. With star names like Bellingham, Mbappe, and Vinicius all faltering from 12 yards, Real Madrid’s inability to convert chances is becoming a strategic liability.
Barcelona Draw Keeps Title Race Alive — Barely
Later on Saturday, Barcelona played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Real Betis. While the result was not a victory for Barcelona it was enough to maintain their lead at the top of the table and keep Real Madrid at bay. The draw means Barcelona now sit four points clear of Madrid, preserving a slim cushion as the season enters its final stretch.
The draw has slightly reopened the door for Madrid, who might have feared a greater points deficit following their loss. However, with eight games remaining, the margin for error is razor-thin, and Barcelona’s steadier form could prove decisive.
Champions League Awaits as Ancelotti Faces Suspension
Real Madrid’s attention now shifts to European duties, with a crucial Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash away to Arsenal on Tuesday. The trip to London comes at a pivotal point in the season, as Real Madrid look to salvage silverware from an otherwise turbulent campaign.
Domestically,Real Madrid return to La Liga action next weekend against Alaves, but will do so without Ancelotti on the bench. The veteran coach will serve a one-match suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards. In his absence, his son and assistant, Davide Ancelotti, will assume managerial duties. Whether this change in leadership will spark a revival remains to be seen — but the pressure is now firmly on Real Madrid to prove their season isn’t unraveling.
