Carlo Ancelotti lamented Real Madrid's defensive errors after the 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga, although he insisted his players' efforts were commendable.
Madrid missed the chance to go above Barcelona at the top of LaLiga after fighting from 2-0 down to go 3-2 up against their local rivals, thanks to goals from Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Isi Palazon scored the sixth goal of the match as Madrid dropped points for the fourth time in their last five trips to Rayo (one win, two draws, two defeats).
It's the first time Los Blancos have dropped points on three successive trips to Vallecas in LaLiga, and they could now end the weekend four points behind Barca, who face Leganes on Sunday.
Meanwhile, third-placed Atletico Madrid could overtake them if they triumph at home against Getafe.
“It was a complete match, with many mistakes, but I thought we did not suffer as much as the final result suggested,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Saturday.
“I was much more worried about those draws against Mallorca and Las Palmas… Now we have the attitude and commitment from last year and that is promising.
“I look ahead and see a 2025 that is very positive, even though I could be wrong. It is very good, with the players showing a lot of desire and enthusiasm.
“We are chasing everything we play for. We are doing well despite the many problems we have had due to injuries.
“Today we started without many first-team players, maximum seven. If they all come back, the team will be much better.”
Defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will be sidelined for several months due to anterior cruciate ligament tears suffered early in the season, while David Alaba is yet to return from a similar injury suffered last year.
Striker Kylian Mbappe, full-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga all have short-term injuries.
Vinicius Junior, meanwhile, started on the bench for Rayo, with Ancelotti defending that decision as necessary to protect the Brazilian after he recovered from a muscle injury.
“He came back from injury and we wanted to be careful with him. I thought he played a good game,” Ancelotti said.
“It was hard to see my players giving more than they gave today. I see a good future ahead.
“We have to win the Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday, that would be the icing on the cake.”
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