Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Valencia at the top of the table provided all the drama a neutral side could have wanted, but Carlo Ancelotti was far less pleased with events at the Mestalla. Although they were clearly happy with the reaction, the Italian branded their first-half performance 'extremely poor'.
Los Che took the lead after 27 minutes through Hugo Duro, but conceded three clear chances, and had Thibaut Courtois to thank for it not being more.
“It's hard to explain how bad we were in the first half and how good we were in the second, with one man down. These are three deserved points, but we cannot show these two faces. The first half was very bad, the second part was very good with ten.”
In the second half, Real Madrid responded, missing a penalty and having a goal disallowed before finally getting on the scoresheet in the 85th minute.
“It bothers me that we missed three penalties. I think I have to take responsibility for choosing who will take them.”
Jude Bellingham missed the penalty and combined with Kylian Mbappe's two misses against Athletic Club and Liverpool, this has given them an unwanted record. In the end it was Bellingham who saved them with a goal and assist.
“It was a great match for him, he didn't lose confidence after missing the penalty, it gave him extra motivation. Only he can have access to the last 30 minutes he did. He has made an extraordinary effort. It is a well-deserved reward for the game he played.”
Eduardo Camavinga came on as a left back and caused Los Che plenty of problems from there, but Ancelotti did not see that as the turning point in the match.
“The game had changed before. Mendy played his game, he played a good game, with Vinicius on the outside we needed something more on the inside. And Camavinga played a very good match, he has different qualities.”
Real Madrid are next in action in the Copa del Rey on Monday as they travel to Deportiva Minera before a long trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup. It remains to be seen whether
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