Real Madrid Gradually Returning to Their Best Form

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his team’s gradual improvement following their impressive 4-1 comeback victory against Espanyol in LaLiga on Saturday.

The match at the Santiago Bernabeu saw Madrid struggle in the first half, failing to score for the fourth time this season. Matters worsened when Espanyol took the lead with a goal from Thibaut Courtois, who unwittingly netted an own goal shortly after halftime.

However, the introduction of Vinícius Júnior, who started the game on the bench, marked a turning point. His presence energized the squad, and soon after, goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinícius, and Kylian Mbappé secured the win for Madrid.

Ancelotti reflected positively on the team’s response post-Espanyol’s goal. “I thought it was a good game, we reacted well after Espanyol’s goal,” he stated in his post-match press conference. “We played better, with more rhythm and created more chances.”

He emphasized that the team played with greater urgency, moving the ball more quickly and showcasing improved positioning. “Our mobility is a very important weapon,” he noted. Ancelotti particularly highlighted the spectacular nature of Madrid’s third goal, which resulted from a fantastic counter-attack. “Little by little we’re getting back to our best version,” he added.

While Real Madrid’s performance this season has not consistently wowed spectators, they remain unbeaten in LaLiga, recording four wins and two draws. This impressive run has extended to 38 league matches without a loss, dating back to September 2023.

A notable trend has emerged in their play: all but one of their goals—17 out of 18—across all competitions have been scored in the second half. This disparity prompted discussions among players before the match regarding how to shift their fortunes in the opening periods. Yet, the first-half struggles continued, leaving Ancelotti to acknowledge these ongoing challenges. “Thirty-eight games without losing shows the team has done very well,” he remarked.

There were concerns after midfielder Jude Bellingham required treatment for a shoulder injury following a difficult fall, but Ancelotti swiftly alleviated fears about the severity of the issue. “It doesn’t look like anything worrying,” he reassured fans and media alike.

In addition to Bellingham, Ancelotti praised the impact of teenage forward Endrick, who made a decisive contribution after coming off the bench to win a late penalty that Mbappé converted. This performance showcased Endrick’s potential, with Ancelotti noting, “[Endrick] is training very well, but up front we have Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinícius. We have to be patient.”