Real Madrid’s Resilient Performance
On Wednesday, Real Madrid secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Reale Arena. This win, achieved despite the absence of key players like Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappe, highlights the depth and versatility of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. The manager’s shrewd rotations and tactical adjustments played a significant role in maintaining the team’s solidity and defensive cohesion. Ancelotti was understandably pleased with the result, praising his team’s commitment and defensive solidity. "Today we rotated, but we remained solid. We were compact and played a very good game defensively, with solidarity," he said. The victory not only puts Real Madrid in a strong position heading into the second leg but also underscores the club’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
Contributions from Key Players
One of the standout moments from the match was the goal scored by the young and talented Endrick. Ancelotti was quick to acknowledge the Brazilian forward’s impact, stating, "Endrick has contributed a lot, in the sense that he has contributed a goal." This goal not only provided the winning margin but also boosted the morale of the team. Additionally, veteran midfielder Arda Turan, who has been a reliable presence in Ancelotti’s lineup, played a crucial defensive role. Ancelotti noted, "Arda has worked very well in the position, helping a lot in the defensive aspect." The manager’s satisfaction was evident as he emphasized the team’s intensity and the strong performance against a formidable opponent. "We must be satisfied. It was an intense match, against an opponent who gave everything and we got a good result for the second leg."
Addressing Racism and Misconduct
The match was marred by two highly concerning incidents involving racist abuse and chants directed at Real Madrid players. Vinicius Junior, a prominent target for such behavior, was subjected to racist abuse from the stands. Ancelotti commended the referee for his handling of the situation, saying, "I think the referee acted well. Vinicius spoke to the referee, stopped the game and activated the protocol. He did well. It is what he must do." The incident underscores the ongoing issue of racism in football and the importance of immediate and effective action from officials and clubs alike. Vinicius Junior’s response, in line with the established protocol, demonstrated both the player’s and the club’s commitment to combating such behavior.
Supporting Raul Asencio
Another concerning incident involved Raul Asencio, who received menacing chants of "Asencio, die" during the first half. Ancelotti made the difficult decision to substitute Asencio at halftime, explaining, "I removed Asencio because of two things: he was affected (by the chants) and he had a yellow card. Nobody likes to be yelled at ‘die’. So he was affected. I preferred to remove him, because his feelings could affect him." The manager’s empathetic response highlights the club’s prioritization of players’ mental and emotional well-being. Asencio’s short time on the pitch was overshadowed by the abusive chants, and his substitution was a necessary step to protect him from further harm. Real Madrid, as a club, stands firmly against all forms of abuse and intimidation.
Injury Concern: Dani Ceballos
The final minutes of the match brought an additional challenge for Real Madrid as Dani Ceballos suffered a muscle problem, potentially sidelining him for up to a month. Ancelotti addressed the situation with a mix of concern and resignation, stating, "Let’s see… He had a muscle problem at the end and will undergo tests tomorrow. It was a shame, there is nothing that we could do." The injury could be a significant blow to the team’s midfield options, especially as they look to navigate the remainder of the season, including the crucial second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. The manager’s pragmatic approach reflects the reality of managing a high-pressure squad, where injuries are an inevitable part of the game.
Looking Ahead to the Second Leg
Despite the challenges faced, Real Madrid’s narrow victory gives them a strong advantage heading into the second leg at their home ground. Ancelotti’s tactical acumen and the team’s resilience have set a positive tone for the return fixture. The manager remained optimistic, recognizing the need to maintain focus and intensity. "We are doing well, despite the rotations. We must be satisfied with the result and maintain our solid approach in the second leg." The upcoming home game will be crucial, and Real Madrid will aim to secure their place in the final while also showing their support for players affected by the recent incidents. The club’s ability to balance on-field success with addressing off-field issues will be vital as they push for another trophy this season.
