Real Madrid suffered their second loss of 2024 after falling 1-0 to Lille in the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the defeat was deserved and pointed out areas for improvement.
Real Madrid’s Unbeaten Streak Ends
Real Madrid’s long unbeaten run came to an unexpected halt on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to Lille in the Champions League. Jonathan David’s first-half penalty gave Lille a victory they fully deserved. This marked Real Madrid’s first loss in 37 matches across all competitions, a streak that had extended since January. In the Champions League, it was their first defeat since being knocked out by Manchester City in the semifinals back in May 2023.
Ancelotti Accepts Criticism
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti faced the media and accepted the criticism aimed at his team. “I am very honest. The criticism for this game is fair and correct, and we have to accept it,” Ancelotti said. He didn’t make excuses for his side’s poor performance, admitting they didn’t play well and that Lille deserved to win.
“Our opponents played better than us,” Ancelotti added. “This has not happened much to us recently, but it shows that we still have areas we need to improve. We didn’t deserve to draw.”
Lille’s Strong Performance
Lille, who played with determination from the start, took control of the game with solid defense and quick counterattacks. Jonathan David’s penalty just before halftime separated the two sides. Lille coach Bruno Genesio praised his team, calling it one of the best results in the club’s European history. “It is a great performance from everybody, and a beautiful reward for the club and our supporters,” said Genesio. He was pleased with his side’s ability to compete against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Challenge
The defeat places Real Madrid in a tough position in the newly formatted Champions League. The competition now includes 36 teams, and only the top eight teams after the group stage automatically qualify for the round of 16. Madrid’s first victory came two weeks ago when they beat VfB Stuttgart 3-1. However, with several tough matches ahead, including games against Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Liverpool, and Atalanta, the pressure is on.
Despite the loss, Ancelotti tried to ease concerns about the potential impact on their Champions League campaign. “This is sport, and sometimes you lose. The sadness comes not from the result, but from the feeling we gave off as a team. We need to improve how we perform on the pitch.”
Bellingham’s Struggles
One of the key talking points from the match was the underwhelming performance of Real Madrid’s rising star, Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder, who was a Ballon d’Or candidate this season, struggled to make an impact. “He is playing in the same position as last season, but he hasn’t had the same success,” Ancelotti explained. Bellingham received a yellow card in the second half and couldn’t find his rhythm throughout the match.
Bellingham will face his former club Borussia Dortmund in three weeks when Real Madrid host the German side at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match will be a repeat of last season’s Champions League final, where Madrid emerged victorious. Bellingham, who had a stellar season last year, will hope to rediscover his form in this crucial fixture.
Lille’s European Journey Continues
Lille’s win over Real Madrid is a testament to their growing strength in European football. Bruno Genesio, the man behind the win, has had a history of upsetting European giants. His previous victory against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2018 while managing Lyon was a highlight of his coaching career. Now, with Lille, he continues to prove that his teams can compete against the best.
“This result shows what we are capable of over 90 minutes,” Genesio remarked after the match. “We need to build on this performance as we head into more difficult matches.” Lille’s upcoming games will see them face Atletico Madrid away and Juventus at home, where they’ll hope to maintain their momentum.
Real Madrid’s Path Forward
For Real Madrid, this loss serves as a wake-up call. Ancelotti remains focused on improving his team’s performance, especially with tough fixtures ahead. While the defeat to Lille stung, it could motivate Madrid to bounce back stronger in their upcoming games.
Ancelotti urged his players to remain calm and take responsibility for the loss. “There are things we need to work on. We can’t afford to give off the wrong signals on the pitch,” he said. The coach will look to make adjustments ahead of the Dortmund clash, where Madrid will aim to return to winning ways.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Lille has brought their unbeaten streak to an end, but Carlo Ancelotti sees it as an opportunity for growth. The Spanish giants have challenging matches ahead, but with the right adjustments, they can regain their form and continue their Champions League campaign. Meanwhile, Lille’s impressive victory will give them confidence as they look to cause more upsets in Europe’s top competition. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
